May 21, 2012, 5:09 AM — Taiwanese smartphone vendor High Tech Computer said on Sunday certain models of its newest smartphones have passed U.S. Customs and are being released to its carrier customers, after the company previously warned of a delay in product shipments because of an International Trade Commission (ITC) order.
HTC said last week the U.S. would see delays in availability of its HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE smartphones because of the customs review. But on Sunday, HTC said some models have passed the inspection, although it could not specify which models, according to a company filing made to the Taiwan Stock Exchange.
U.S. Customs is currently reviewing shipments of HTC smartphones as part of an ITC exclusion order issued against the company in December when it was found HTC had infringed on Apple patents. Under the exclusion order, HTC cannot import devices using the patented technology to the U.S. after April 19.
Despite the exclusion order, HTC said it could work around the ban because the company has created alternative solutions to the patented technology it had infringed on.
Each HTC model must be reviewed by U.S. Customs, and the company is working closely with authorities to secure approval soon, according to HTC's statement. An HTC spokesperson could not be reached for further comment.
AT&T began selling the HTC One X on May 6, but the product is currently listed as out of stock, according to AT&T's website. The HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint was set to go on sale on May 18, but is also listed as out of stock on Sprint's website.
