Apple wins Android patent case against HTC

ITC grants partial victory and imposes ban on infringing HTC products

Apple has won a victory in its patent case against HTC, after the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that some of the technology in Android smartphones is covered by an Apple patent.

The ITC said in its twice-delayed ruling (PDF) that HTC had infringed only one patent out of the 10, and later six, put forward by Apple, and issued a ban against infringing devices.

The ban will start on 19 April next year, and will prevent HTC importing any infringing hardware into the US.

"We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours," said Apple in response to a request for a comment. HTC has not yet responded.

HTC will be allowed to import refurbished handsets to replace any that have failed under warranty until 19 December 2013.

"This exemption does not permit HTC to call new devices 'refurbished' and to import them as replacements," the ITC added.