The legal battle between Apple and HTC has been growing quickly over the past couple of months, and tonight we've got another chapter to add to the tale courtesy of the International Trade Commission. According to a report from Reuters, the ITC has decided to investigate a complaint from Apple alleging that HTC is guilty of infringing on five of the Cupertino-based firm's patents. The patents in question are related to smartphone software architecture and UI, touch screen hardware, and movement sensors. Unsurprisingly, HTC denied any wrongdoing.

Back in June an ITC judge ruled that HTC was guilty of violating two Apple patents, although that decision must still face a six-person committee before HTC will face the possibility of an import ban on its products. It's not yet clear when we'll hear more from that committee on its decision or from the ITC about this latest complaint from Apple. However, the last time Apple filed a complaint with the ITC, the judge issued a decision a little over a week later. Whenever more details about the escalating Apple v. HTC war come out, you can be sure we'll let you know, so keep your browser locked to PhoneDog.

Via PhoneScoop, Reuters