According to a statement released earlier this week, HTC announced that it will fight the patent violation suit that Apple recently filed against it. Whether HTC loses or wins Apple's lawsuit, it will surely be a setback to the mobile industry. HTC proclaims that it is not at fault and has not violated patents that Apple is presently holding in any of its Android-based phones, in the least way.

It is sheer wastage of time as well as money for both the companies, as it will not be a rosy outcome for either side. If Apple wins the battle, it could altogether change the mobile industry.

Apple sued HTC so that it can set an example before other companies who may try to violate the same patents in the near future. But, if companies are afraid of Apple, it will put an end to the iPhone’s competition.

If Apple wins the lawsuit, it will hamper the progress of Android OS, which is the only feasible substitute to iPhone. That is surely going to affect vendors as well as customers.

Moreover, if Apple is equipped with a successful lawsuit against HTC, its power in the mobile industry would be strengthened, which will make it a competitor for the rest of the mobile market.

Apple would become the only company allowed to offer touch-screen-unlock functionality, if it wins the case against HTC. Consequently, it will affect the users too.