ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) -- A U.S. arbiter for trade disputes is delaying a decision on Eastman Kodak Co.'s high-stakes patent-infringement claim against smartphone makers Apple Inc. and Research in Motion Ltd.

An administrative judge overseeing the dispute at the U.S. International Trade Commission has set a new target date of Sept. 21, 2012, for deciding the case. The Washington, D.C., commission had previously expected to issue a final ruling by Dec. 30.

The nine-month extension will allow the judge to examine new expert testimony from Canadian BlackBerry maker RIM and address legal issues raised by Kodak.

A favorable ruling could enable Kodak to receive up to $1 billion in fees.

Kodak, a 131-year-old company based in Rochester, N.Y., has been scrambling to redefine itself in digital photography and printing as photographic film sales shrivel.