Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/02/apple_sues_htc/
Apple accuses HTC of iPhone tech theft
Lawsuit launched
Posted in Phones, 2nd March 2010 15:55 GMT
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Apple has begun legal proceedings against HTC, alleging the Taiwanese phone manufacturer has used iPhone technology without its say-so.
The Mac maker claimed [1] HTC has infringed almost two dozen of its patents, all touching on the iPhone's UI, underlying software architecture and the hardware design.
Apple filed a complaint about the matter with the Delaware US District Court - known for its reputation for taking a dim view of patent infringement if successfully proven - and the US International Trade Commission (ITC).
Getting the ITC on the case is widely seen by litigious companies as a way of accelerating the judgement process. If the ITC adjudicates in Apple's favour, it can seek a ban on the import of HTC [2] handsets, and the iPhone maker's case is considerably strengthened in the court case. Generally, the ITC takes less time to rule on such a case than the US court system does.
Apple is already engaged in legal combat [3] with Nokia [4] - both firms claim each nicked the other's phone technology - and Kodak. ®