Apple sues HTC for patent infringement

The complaints, filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission and U.S. District Court in Wilmington, Del., concern HTC models Nexus One, G1 and myTouch 3G, all of which use the free, rival Android mobile operating software from Google Inc. Non-Android phones include HTC's Touch series.

Apple said HTC has violated 20 of its patents covering aspects of the iPhone's user interface and hardware. The American company said HTC incorporated Apple's patent-protected technologies without a proper license.

The patents under dispute are related to technology behind touch screens, for example, including one that can detect more than one finger touch at a time; zooming in or out by moving fingers apart or pinching them together; and using sensors to collect information about a user's activity or surroundings and allowing the device react to it.

Apple is seeking unspecified damages and court orders to block U.S. sales of HTC's Android phones and other products that violate Apple's patents.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has the authority to block imports of products and parts made with contested technology, while the U.S. District Court in Wilmington, Del., can award damages and order HTC to stop sale.

In an e-mail message, HTC spokeswoman Linda Mills said the company has yet to to review Apple's claims, but added:

"HTC values patent rights and their enforcement but is also committed to defending its own technology innovations."