The patent dispute between Apple and HTC seems to be heating up a bit. Apple is now bringing their complain before the U.S. International Trade Commission since they plain that HTC’s infringements violate the Tariff Act of 1930: “importation into the United States and sale of certain personal data and mobile communications devices and related software that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.”

Though the patent dispute has barely begun, the U.S. International Trade Commission has the right to bar the importation of HTC products into the U.S. market based on the patent dispute. Apple has requested that the commission “issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.” At this moment, the commission has not made any rulings on the matter, but there are evidentiary hearings already scheduled. Once the procession begins, the commission has 45 days to schedule a target completion date, no matter what the outcome.

If Apple does win this claim against HTC with the U.S. International Trade Commission, sales of HTC products in the U.S. would come to a halt. We’re still unclear on why Apple is specifically targeting HTC and their products when all the other Android producing manufacturers could be lumped into the patent claim as well. Clearly, HTC is seen as one of the biggest threats to Apple’s iPhone market share.

Source: Total Telecom