(Image source: WMPU)
BY: KAYLEE GOINS
ANCHOR: ANTHONY MARTINEZ
The tech-world is experiencing what could be a game-changing lawsuit between the multinational corporation Apple and Asia’s second leading handset manufacturer, HTC.
Late Friday, an International Trade Commission (ITC) Judge officially ruled HTC is in fact infringing on two of Apple’s patents.
One of the patents in the HTC case involved data-detection technology used in email and text messages, while another related to a data-transmission system.
When a phone receives a message that includes a phone number, address, or link, it is turned into a usable link. By clicking on the information, the phone allows you to access it using the phone, Internet, or map. According to the judge -- Apple owns this patent, and Android is using it. (YouTube/AndroidDevelopers)
So what does it all mean? A writer for PCWorld explains -- this case could affect all Android devices, not just those made by HTC.
“Why is the ITC ruling such a death blow? Because the patents in question are not unique to HTC--they are integral to the Android OS itself. If HTC is found to be violating these two Apple patents, then so are Motorola, and Samsung, and anyone else making Android devices.”
But analysts say HTC may have something to cushion the blow.
The ITC has also ruled Apple infringed against S3 Graphics, a company recently acquired by HTC.
While the ruling does not directly affect Apple’s lawsuit, analysts say it could lead to a less devastating agreement between the two companies.
IP expert Florian Mueller says...
“Theoretically, Apple could grant HTC a license … But I doubt that Apple will offer HTC a license unless HTC owns or effectively controls any patents that Apple needs, in which case the two companies would cross-license.”
All Things Digital notes -- the decision doesn’t mean anything concrete just yet. HTC has vowed to appeal the ruling, which means it has to get through the six-seated ITC Commission first.
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Transcript by Newsy.
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