Handset vendor HTC has today broken it’s silence and issued a response in relation to a recent patent infringement lawsuit filed by Apple, promising to issue a formal response in the next few weeks.
The response follows legal action where the Taiwanese company, who have enjoyed success developing devices that incorporate mobile operating systems from Google and Microsoft, were accused of infringing on 20 Apple patents, encompassing a range of technologies developed for the iPhone.
“HTC disagrees with Apple’s actions and will fully defend itself,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation in the first statement issued since legal proceedings began.
“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,” remarked Chou.
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The patents, which mainly focus on Apple’s touchscreen functionality, cover technology like the ability to use multi-touch, gesture recognition, smooth scrolling, power management, and other technologies.
The recent release of high powered HTC handsets has intensified competition within the smartphone market, leading to a vigorous show of force from Apple to protect what it believes is it’s proprietary technology. HTC will look to counter Apple’s claims, stating:
“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(i) and T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition(ii), our first touch-screen smartphones, and they both shipped in 2002 with more than 50 additional HTC smartphone models shipping since then.“
The HTC suit may just be a show of force, indicating that Apple may choose to target Google and it’s Android operating system, slowing it’s ability to effectively tackle Apple’s market dominance.
Until HTC issue their formal response, we will have to simply wait and watch.
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