Taiwanese handset vendor HTC has countersued Apple for patent infringement, asking US trade regulators to block the sale of Apple devices in the US.

 

HTC’s request to the International Trade Commission (ITC) covers all models of iPhone, iPad and iPod in the US, claiming Apple infringes five patents covering power management, handset directory and dialling software.

 

“We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners, and most importantly our customers that use HTC phones.” The firm’s North America vice president Jason Mackenzie said.

 

“HTC believes the industry should be driven by healthy competition and innovation that offer consumers the best, most accessible mobile experiences possible,” Mackenzie added.

 

One of the five patents listed in HTC’s lawsuit was only granted to the firm this week according to All Things Digital.

 

The Taiwanese vendor has taken action after Apple filed suit against HTC in March, alleging infringement of 20 patents on all HTC Android phones.

 

If that suit is successful, HTC will be forced to halt sales of all Android touchscreen phones in the US.