HTC countersues in Apple patent tussle

HTC claims that Apple has infringed on five patents relating to smartphone technology

The legal battle between HTC and Apple has taken another twist, after HTC announced that it will sue Apple for patent infringement.

HTC is responding to Apple's claim that the Taiwan-based manufacturer infringed 20 patents relating to the iPhone's user interface, hardware and architecture.

HTC has denied stealing Apple's intellectual property, and has now filed its own complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

The company argues that five of its patents have been infringed by Apple, and calls on the ITC to halt the importation and sale of the iPhone, iPad and iPod lines in the US.

"We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners and, most importantly, our customers that use HTC phones," said HTC vice president of North America Jason Mackenzie.

The news comes just days after Nokia filed a legal action against Apple, claiming that the iPhone and iPad 3G products infringe on five Nokia patents relating to enhanced speech and data transmission.