This is a first: US Customs are holding back imports on the HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE, as they are under investigation for pantent infringement. Want to take a wild guess as to who the patent holder is? None other than the fruit themselves, Apple. Last year Apple won a patent infringement that was to ban all HTC handsets in an exclusion order. Phones were not pulled off the shelf immediately, and HTC was given till April 19th to correct the infringement. That date has already passed, and things aren’t looking good for HTC. Here’s their official 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.

It appears that at this time HTC can’t do much but sit and wait, as the final decision will be in the hands of US Customs. Until then, One X stock on AT&T is slowly diminishing, and the EVO 4G LTE may not make its May 18th launch date. HTC may have its biggest problem yet in the patent wars, and Android can’t afford another loss.

via The Verge