HTC "SuperPhones" Banned on Entering The U.S.?
Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC is one of the world's leading phone maker and they also happen to be one of Apple's biggest competitors and rival in the mobile handset category.
It appears that HTC is now facing a problem on their most recently made "SuperPhones" to enter the biggest economy in the world, the United States.
According to a report, HTC's One X and the HTC Evo 4G LTE are both facing patent infringement issues with Apple and the International Trade Commission (ITC).
Apparently, the ITC issued an import ban against HTC in December of 2011 after Apple asserted its "data detectors" patent, which outlines a technology for automated detection of data such as phone numbers, email addresses and hyperlinks.
It appears that both phones mentioned above are now being held up at the U.S. Customs for clearance and security and the U.S. Customs is now also aware of the patent infringement situation.
Meanwhile, HTC just made a statement about this whole situation by saying:
"The U.S. availability of the HTC One X and the HTC Evo 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we're in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with customs to secure approval. The HTC One X and HTC Evo 4G LTE have been received enthusiastically by customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to get these products into their hands as soon as possible."
It will be very interesting what the aftermath of this situation is going to be for HTC and what it brings to the whole tech industry as far as patent disputes and enforcements are concerned. But one thing is very clear, Apple doesn't play around with their patents.
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