The patents Apple claims HTC is infringing on relate to the iPhone interface, the device’s hardware, display technology and the underlying architecture.
In its answer, HTC asserts that Apple’s infringement claims are invalid “for failure to comply with one or more of the conditions for patentability set forth in Title 35 of the United States Code, including, but not limited to, utility, novelty, non-obviousness, enablement, written description and definiteness in accordance with 35 U.S.C.§§ 101, 102, 103, 112, and/or 116, or are invalid pursuant to the judicial doctrine barring double-patenting.”
HTC CEO Peter Chou said “HTC disagrees with Apple’s actions and will fully defend itself.”
HTC makes several smartphone models, including some that use Google’s Android platform. Google’s Android platform shares some similarities to the iPhone OS, and there has been speculation that Android’s multi-touch support is one of the areas that pushed Apple to file its patent infringement lawsuit.
Neither company is commenting on their current legal battle.
[Thanks to Groklaw for the heads up.]