HTC denies accusations of breaking Apple patents
updated 01:15 pm EDT, Thu April 19, 2012
Says it phones use 'commonly known techniques'
Lawyers for HTC today defended the company in a London courtroom, insisting it isn't violating Apple patents, Bloomberg reports. At stake are four patents, covering multi-touch, slide-to-unlock, zooming and scrolling for photos, and the use of different character sets for text messages. "We are dealing with extremely simple implementations of commonly known techniques," read written statements by HTC's lawyers.
Apple and HTC are engaged in legal battles in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. An HTC victory in London could be used to support the company's German case; losing in Germany could "have a serious impact on HTC’s business in Europe," according to the London court documents. An Apple lawyer, Simon Thorley, told the courtroom that while HTC is "attacking the validity of four patents," Apple believes it is "clear the inventions make the requisite contributions" to technology.
Today's hearing is part of a trial scheduled to last until May 4th. Apple is believed to be using lawsuits against companies like HTC, Samsung, and Motorola as a way of fighting back Android, which has become a growing threat to the iPhone in the smartphone world. Apple's targets have filed their own claims and counterclaims.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Who'd a thunk?
"We are dealing with extremely simple implementations of commonly known techniques,"
Of course they're simple, commonly known techniques. Someone else came up with them and made them popular, and you just copied 'em.