HTC Issues Second Apple Lawsuit Statement: "Consumer Choice Is Key"

After HTC's rather shell-shocked statement yesterday on the Apple patent lawsuit – in which they admitted they'd only heard about it via the flurry of media reports – the company has released a second announcement in which the lawyers have obviously had a bigger input.  The company again insists it "values US and international patent rights" but goes on to claim that it "believes that consumer choice is a key component to success in the smartphone industry and this is best achieved through multiple suppliers providing a variety of mobile experiences."

"HTC is a mobile technology innovator and patent holder that has been very focused over the past 13 years on creating many of the most innovative smartphones. HTC Corporation values U.S. and international patent rights and will work with in the U.S. Judicial System to protect its own innovations and rights.

HTC believes that consumer choice is a key component to success in the smartphone industry and this is best achieved through multiple suppliers providing a variety of mobile experiences. HTC has focused on offering its customers a uniquely-HTC experience through HTC Sense and its broad portfolio of smartphones.

HTC does not believe this lawsuit poses a short-term material impact to its business nor will it affect its Q1 2010 guidance." HTC announcement

HTC also cast doubts on the potential of the suit to impact its short-term business, likely a reference to Apple's demand that the US ITC freeze imports of HTC handsets.

The statement follows Google's own announcement earlier today, in which they said that while they were not specifically named in the lawsuit, they would nonetheless "stand behind" both Android and their partners in the OHA.  The case shows every sign of turning into a long, protracted one.

[via Engadget]