Early last year, Apple filed a little lawsuit against HTC, claiming the Taiwanese company had infringed upon ten of their patents. The House of Jobs felt HTC lifted hardware designs, the technology behind the multi-touch input, and even the basic architecture found in the phones. A judge with the U.S International Trade Commission has decided there is enough evidence that HTC may have infringed on only two of Apple’s patents. The patents in question are related to processing applications and interpreting system data. The last one is of note because that’s the one that recognizes things like phone numbers, highlights them and allows the user to use that data, in this case make a phone call.

Those two bits are highly important to Android’s core operating system and could cause Google’s Android partners severe damage if upheld. The other downside could be the banning of all HTC handsets imported into the United States. Since this is only an initial ruling, it could be overturned when it is reviewed by a six person commission later this year. The final outcome is expected on December 6th of this year and of course HTC plans to fight the ruling. Hit the jump and read their press release.

ITC JUDGES RELEASES INITIAL DETERMINATION IN APPLE VS. HTC CASE

Taoyuan, Taiwan–July 16, 2011 – HTC received notice of the ITC judge’s initial determination in the Apple vs. HTC case, ITC No. 337-TA-710. Apple originally asserted 10 of its patents against HTC in March 2010, and the judge ruled today that HTC infringed on 2 patents. HTC does not yet have access to the judge’s full opinion and analysis to determine the details of his findings.

“We are highly confident we have a strong case for the ITC appeals process and are fully prepared to defend ourselves using all means possible,” said Grace Lei, General Counsel of HTC. “We strongly believe we have alternate solutions in place for the issues raised by Apple. We look forward to resolving this case, so we can continue creating the most innovative mobile experiences for consumers.”

The ITC’s Staff Attorney independently studied the facts and argued at trial that HTC does not violate any of the 10 Apple patents.

The ITC has already ruled that Apple is infringing the patents of HTC’s subsidiary S3 Graphics as part of ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-724.  HTC announced its acquisition of S3Graphics on July 6, 2011.

HTC is a leading innovator of smartphones that has developed a strong customer brand, unique user experience and differentiated smartphone portfolio.

Founded in 1997 with a passion for innovation and a vision for how smartphones would change people’s lives, HTC has continually driven this vision by consistently introducing award-winning smartphones worldwide. In February 2011, HTC was honored as the handset maker of the year by the GSMA, the mobile industries global trade association. For more information on HTC’s history of innovation, please visit: http://www.htc.com/history

Oh yeah and Apple is also suing Motorola for most of the same things. Is this Apple’s new plan for dominance, litigating instead of innovating?

Source: Boy Genius Report

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