Google’s Android Growth Threatened By Apple’s Patent Victory

Apple Inc.’s victory over HTC Corp. in a patent dispute at the U.S. International Trade Commission may slow the advance of rival Google Inc.’s fast-growing Android operating system for mobile phones and tablets.

A trade judge found on July 15 that HTC infringed two patents owned by Apple, whose iPhone competes with Android-based devices, including those made by HTC. If his decision is upheld, HTC may be prevented from bringing phones into the U.S., and companies such as Samsung Electronics Co. and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. may find it more expensive to sell Android phones.