The United States International Trade Commission has ruled that a set of important features found in smartphones are protected by an Apple patent. The case involves the technology that lets you tap your finger once on the touch screen to call a phone number that is displayed inside an e-mail or text message and the technology that allows you to schedule a calendar appointment with a single tap for a date mentioned in an e-mail. The decision could force changes in how Google’s Android phones work.
The ruling will prevent HTC from selling phones in the United States that infringe the patent; however, the ruling was only a partial victory. The commission overruled an earlier decision in Apple’s favor involving a technical patent related to how software is organized internally on mobile devices.
Taiwan-based mobile phone maker HTC said in a statement that it would adapt its features to comply with the court’s decision. HTC’s general counsel Grace Lei said, “We are very pleased with the determination and we respect it.” Ms. Lei also said in the statement that the company was happy the commission ruled against Apple on other patents involved in the case.
As Android phones gain market share, competition among the companies heats up. Closely watched patent battles are being waged around the world by almost all of the major players in the mobile industry. The Android system now powers more than half of all smartphones sold worldwide. In the third quarter of 2011, phones running the Android system accounted for 52.5% of devices sold worldwide while Apple’s share of the market fell to 15%, from 16.6%.
The decision could affect more phones than just those made by HTC. Apple has sued several other makers of Android devices and companies that make Android products are responding by filing countersuits against Apple. Kristin Huguet, an Apple spokeswoman, said, “We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.”
Alexander Poltorak, chief executive of the General Patent Corporation, said, “It’s an important victory for Apple, but it’s just one of many battles.” He also commented that the ruling would pressure other Android phone makers to license the technology from Apple or make changes to avoid patent infringement issues.