Despite facing increase legal pressure from Apple in the US and other countries over claims it has infringed on iPhone and iPad patents, HTC’s North Asia President Jack Tong says there is “no question that HTC will definitely win” and is confident the USITC will return a decision in their favour.
According to the Korea Times, the HTC executive’s remarks are the first time HTC has made remarks about its current patent fight with Apple, which has most recently seen the Taiwanese smartphone company sue Apple in a federal court in Delaware using patents it acquired from Google.
In July, Apple was granted a partial victory in its patent suit against the Android phone maker, with the US International Trade Commission ruling that it had violated two of Apple’s patents. The ITC judge that ruled on the case provided an initial determination that HTC had infringed on two out of the 10 patents involved in the suit, according to a statement from the company.
Referring to the decision, Tong said:
HTC is waiting for a final ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and the ruling will be on our side. HTC will be more active in defending our intellectual properties.
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According to sources close to the matter, HTC’s connection to Samsung in the respect that they are fighting patent cases against Apple could have a knock-on effect on Samsung’s case should HTC win in the United States, especially after the company used Google patents against its Cupertino-based rival.
Tong reiterated that HTC still has plans to develop its own mobile OS:
We’ve opened many doors. But HTC will also strengthen traditional ties with our existing partners Microsoft and Google.
The company intends to focus on developing sales in Asia, particularly in South Korea – home of Samsung – partnering with SK Telecom to deliver new 4G smartphones.
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