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Nokia wins patent case against HTC, with sales ban potential

A judge's ruling in the UK paves the way for Nokia to enforce a sales injunction on infringing HTC devices, including the HTC One.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
The Nokia Lumia 1520
The Nokia Lumia 1520 Nokia

Nokia has won a key ruling in the England and Wales High Court against HTC over charges of patent infringement.

Justice Arnold of the England and Wales High Court ruled on Tuesday that some of HTC's Android-based handsets, including the critically well-regarded HTC One, infringe a patent held by Nokia related to a "modular structure for a transmitter and a mobile station" -- a fancy description for the way frequency is carried for smartphones.

Foss Patents was first to report on the news.

Justice Arnold's ruling paves the way for Nokia to enforce a sales injunction on infringing HTC devices. However, the judge will allow HTC to appeal the decision, which could mean the injunction will be held up until the Court of Appeal can issue its own ruling on the case.

Still, the ruling is bad news for HTC. Nokia has brought its case to several countries in Europe, alleging HTC violates the same patent. That the company won in the UK could spell trouble for HTC's efforts elsewhere around the world.