A few weeks ago, Apple filed a patent infringement lawsuit against HTC. The lawsuit covered 20 different patents for software and hardware innovations, phones affected by this case include most of HTC’s Android devices and several Windows Mobile handsets.
Many viewed Apple’s lawsuit as an indirect way to affect the distribution of Google’s Android smart phones. HTC has proven to be a key figure in the development of the Google mobile platform and by suing HTC instead of Google, Apple is able to choose its fights.
HTC has not taken the defensive. They announced a few weeks back that they would be defending their works and innovations and they also have their own patents. Even more, HTC has been a leading pioneer in the mobile device industry with their many contributions, to say that they are infringing on filed patents is an insult to their legacy.
HTC’s Peter Chou finally speaks out, “HTC disagrees with Apple’s actions and will fully defend itself. HTC strongly advocates intellectual property protection and will continue to respect other innovators and their technologies as we have always done, but we will continue to embrace competition through our own innovation as a healthy way for consumers to get the best mobile experience possible.”
“From day one, HTC has focused on creating cutting-edge innovations that deliver unique value for people looking for a smartphone. In 1999 we started designing the XDA and T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition, our first touch-screen smartphones, and they both shipped in 2002 with more than 50 additional HTC smartphone models shipping since then.”
At this point, it is hard to see how this lawsuit will turn out. While HTC can only defend itself, Apple will surely be pushing for various sanctions against the manufacturer.
Get to know more about HTC’s statement in the original AP article at Google News.
