HTC counter sues Apple to ban imports of iPhone and iPad into the US

HTC has filed a legal challenge against Apple seeking an injunction to ban US imports of the Mac, iPad, iPhone and iPod lines over alleged Wi-Fi patent infringements.

The filing was made with the International Trade Commission and the US District Court in Delaware, and HTC said on its web site that the action relates to three alleged patent infringements.

"The patents at issue cover a range of functionality embodied in Apple's Mac computer and mobile devices essential to the user experience, including Wi-Fi capabilities that allow users to wirelessly network multiple devices at home, at work or in public," the firm said.

HTC also cited patents covering "processor communication technologies that enable a seamless integration of a PDA and a cellular phone into a single device providing users with a true smartphone experience".

Grace Lei, HTC's general counsel, issued a robust statement against Apple, arguing that HTC had been left with no choice but to file an injunction to protect its interests.

"We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners and, most importantly, our customers that use HTC phones," she said. "Apple needs to stop its infringement of our patented inventions in its products."

V3 contacted Apple for comment on the litigation, but had received no reply at the time of publication.

Apple is currently suing HTC over 20 alleged patent infringements relating to the iPhone's user interface, hardware and architecture. HTC has already issued a cease and desist order against Apple and filed legal action in the UK.

Patent expert Florian Mueller told V3 that the latest legal challenge underlines HTC's willingness to take legal action, but that Apple is likely to win.

"HTC proves once again its determination to fight back against Apple. This dispute is particularly acrimonious and bitterly contested. All in all, I still see Apple on the winning track," he said.

The legal spat is the latest in a long line of battles in the market, and comes after Google announced the $12.5bn acquisition of Motorola Mobility, mostly for its 17,000-strong patent portfolio.