Google to stand with HTC against Apple patent claims
As it has been widely reported, HTC’s share price has fallen considerably following the ITC’s preliminary decision to uphold Apple’s claims that HTC have violated a number of it patents with technology used in several HTC smartphones currently on sale.
However, for HTC it would seem help is at hand from Google. During Google’s Mobile Evolution conference held in Tokyo chairman, Eric Schmidt, delivered a speech wherein he said that Google would support HTC against Apple and that he was confident that ‘HTC would ultimately prevail over Apple.’
Following the statement HTC shares have recovered somewhat this afternoon.
If the ITC’s final decision goes against HTC it could lead to the sales of HTC handsets being blocked in the USA and, by association, spells big trouble for all manufacturers that use Android OS on their phones.
From CNET:
When asked about potentially providing financial support if HTC loses, Schmidt said "We will make sure they don’t lose, then."
"We have seen an explosion of Android devices entering the market and, because of our successes, competitors are responding with lawsuits as they cannot respond through innovations," he said. "I’m not too worried about this."
HTC has vowed to appeal the initial judgement, although legal experts say overturning an administrative law judge’s ruling is unusual.
Simply put neither Google nor HTC can afford to lose this battle and it’s sure to rage on for some time to come!
Posted by: Matt
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