It’s not every day that we feature another company’s logo front and center on our site, especially an Apple logo. It’s no secret that HTC has been gunning to compete with the Apple iPhone over the past few years, but apparently Apple thinks HTC is not competing at all. HTC has completely transformed that way people use and interact with their Windows Mobile and Android phones. TouchFLO 3D and Sense have raised the bar and have made HTC devices some of the most user friendly phones on the market. Since Apple apparently owns all “user friendly” technology, they have decided to sue HTC for patent infringements. Apple in claiming that HTC in infringing on 20 of Apple’s patents that are “related to the iPhone’s user interface, underlying architecture, and hardware.” We’re not sure which patents these are, but I’m sure that HTC will be putting up a good fight to defend their technology and software portfolio. If suing HTC wasn’t enough, Steve Jobs thought he’s add in a little of own take on the situation.
“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,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.”
If HTC did infringe any of Apple’s patents, we’re not defending them for their actions. But Apple has sued a handful of handset manufacturers over the past few months. If you ask me, I think they are finally feeling the pressure. The iPhone’s day’s are numbered and they are doing anything they can to keep it alive.
UPDATE: Engadget was able to get a quick response from HTC (we’re still waiting for ours).
We only learned of Apple’s actions based on your stories and Apple’s press release. We have not been served yet so we are in no position to comment on the claims. We respect and value patent rights but we are committed to defending our own innovations. We have been innovating and patenting our own technology for 13 years.
Also, we were able to dig up the documents that Apple files this morning.
Source: Apple
What crap apple is trying to make a monopoly!!! You shouldn’t be able to patent all the newest technology so you are the only company that can produce a sweet phone and then charge a arm and a leg for it. With HTC competing with them it will help bring the price down. NO MONOPOLIES ALLOWED this is the United States of America. F You Apple and your prices!!!
Wow I cant believe this. Apple need to realise that re-releasing the same phone over and over with features that were available 3years prior (such and video recording) and calling it innovation will not fool the public forever. They need to realise HTC is improving not just carrying itself at the same level like they are. However if I had to guess I would assume the patents in this case have something to do with the unibody on the nexus one and legend!
Hmm this will be interesting on how HTC react. Either a counter lawsuit or they will argue the toss. I am sure they should really have a dig at Google.
I think they knew that they could not really take Google on.
I think people are starting to think they are seeing HTC or at least Android as competition.
OK, Apple finally picking up HTC to scare other manufacture now, with their very “owned” technology. Obliviously Apple realised that HTC is a weaker enemy, compare with Microsoft and Google. And look like trying to take some action to “Anti-Competitive” in the phone market!
🙂 Maybe Steve was like me using Android after using iPhone, also feel that Android is better!! So they want to destroy it before it grown up.
I just wonder, if someone have the patents of Wheel, is it no one can make car? 😛