Image caption Most HTC phones are based on Google's Android operating system

A US trade watchdog will investigate a claim by Taiwanese phone firm HTC that its rival Apple has infringed its patents.

HTC filed the complaint with the US International Trade Commission (USITC) in August.

It is one of three that HTC has filed against Apple.

Apple has also accused HTC of copying its technology, and other global companies are also involved in what is being called a global patent war.

Korea's Samsung is currently fighting Apple in a number of European courts, as well as Australia.

In HTC's claim, which the US International Trade Commission (USITC) will investigate, the Taiwanese firm alleges that Apple has infringed its patents in smart phones, tablet computers and computers.

HTC is seeking to block the import of Apple products into the US.