The launch of the HTC EVO 4G LTE will likely occur later than HTC and Sprint had planned as the smartphone is facing import delays imposed by U.S. Customs. The HTC One X is facing similar delays and will likely become difficult to find at AT&T stores. The holds are due to an unresolved patent infringement issue with Apple. HTC confirmed the delays in a short statement:
The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval. The HTC One X and HTC Evo 4G LTE have been received enthusiastically by customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to get these products into their hands as soon as possible.
In December, the ITC ruled in favour of Apple for one patent infringement and imposed an importation ban on some of HTC’s devices. The ban took take effect on April 19th. At the time, HTC described the ‘647 patent as “a small UI experience” and planned to remove it from all phones.
It is likely that HTC will try to stay the ban as part of an appeal. For now, it remains unclear if and when U.S. Customs will allow imports of these devices to resume.
Read more: The Verge