Explainer: Huawei faces slim odds in new U.S. court fight

Source: Reuters::

March 7, 2019 at 17:31

A Huawei company logo is seen outside a shopping mall in Shanghai, China March 7, 2019. REUTERS/Aly Song

(Reuters) - Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has opened up a new front in its battle with the U.S. government by filing a lawsuit challenging a congressional ban on federal agencies’ use of the Chinese technology company’s products.

Legal experts said the firm is likely to lose its case because U.S. courts tend to avoid second-guessing Congress’ actions relating to national security, including the ban enacted in August as part of a defense spending bill.

But some lawyers said that Huawei might be hoping to score public relations points against the U.S. government even if it knows its chances of winning are slim.

The following explains the measures against Huawei, the nature of the lawsuit, and why it will likely be dismissed.

What is Huawei and why is it at odds with the U.S. government?

Shenzhen-based Huawei is the world’s biggest producer of telecommunications network equipment and it also competes with Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co as a smartphone maker.

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