Apple is suing HTC for patent infringement.
This is clearly a declaration of war by Apple, going after the hardware makers using the Android OS.
Apple vs Google - Who will win?
Source:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=31427&tag=nl.e589
Updated: Apple said Tuesday that it is suing HTC for infringing on 20 patents related to the iPhone and pursuing a permanent cease and desist order that could derail a wide range of Android devices.
Specifically, Apple is suing HTC in a Delaware district court and the U.S. International Trade Commission for violating patents related to ?the iPhone?s user interface, underlying architecture and hardware.? Apple didn?t detail the specific patents involved.
In a statement, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said:
?We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We?ve decided to do something about it. We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.?
Funny that?s what everyone in the smartphone food chain says. The ITC is going to be quite busy evaluating all the patent lawsuits against various mobile phone players.
HTC wasn?t commenting until it reviewed the complaint.
Apple vs. Android
It?s hard not to take Apple?s HTC suit as an indirect shot against Google. HTC is a big partner of Google and is launching an army of Android devices that are clearly aimed at the iPhone. Bottom line: Google?s Android encroachment is the biggest threat to the iPhone and a patent suit could be a nice way to distract HTC. Would it be surprising if Apple also sued Motorola too?