Judgment Day Looms for Apple, HTC

Apple's claims that some smartphones running Google's Android software copy its inventions are approaching their first big judgment day in the US. The International Trade Commission in Washington on Dec 14 is expected to rule on whether some phones made by HTC Corp. violate Apple's patents.

The ruling could lead to a ban on handsets sold by the Taiwanese company, which uses the Android operating system and is the No. 3 smartphone provider in the US market, according to research firm Nielsen. HTC isn't alone. Apple has been tangling in courts with other prominent Android device makers, including Samsung Electronics Co. and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. The cases reflect the Cupertino, Calif., company's belief that many competing smartphones violate features that Apple popularized with its iPhone and iPad tablet computer. Apple isn't the only one complaining. The smartphone market has experienced a surge in patent litigation over the past few years as large and small players seek to hobble competitors or take share of their success through damage awards or negotiated settlements.