HTC Corp is the world's largest smartphone maker. [File photo]

HTC Corp, the world's largest smartphone maker that uses Google's Android system, will face an import ban after the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled on Monday that HTC infringed on one patent belonging to Apple.

The ITC slapped a ban on imports of any HTC phones that infringe on Apple's patent, starting April 19, 2012. That gives HTC time to possibly make adjustments on the technology in dispute to avoid the ban.

Although the ITC overruled some of Apple's allegations involving more patents, the ruling will definitely be a blow to the Taiwan-based smartphone manufacturer.

The decision will serve as a foundation for future patent lawsuits filed by Apple and Android smartphone makers, and will also trigger a patent battle waged between the two parties, legal experts said.

The lawsuit began as early as March 2010 when Apple demanded a ban on imports of HTC smartphones on grounds of patent infringements. HTC hit back at the accusations by lodging a complaint against Apple over four patent infringements and also demanding a ban of Apple products.

The ITC issued an initial verdict in July, ruling that HTC infringed on two of the 10 patents owned by the Cupertino, California-based tech giant. HTC appealed the ruling.

The verdict, which should have been delivered on Dec. 14, was postponed to Dec. 19.

China's business press carried the story above on Tuesday.