In my estimation, some of Apple’s copyright infringement complaints against HTC can apply equally to other Android smartphone manufacturers like Motorola and Samsung, yet HTC was targeted because of the company’s strong US rise and dissociation with Apple. Samsung makes Apple’s “A4” and iPhone ARM processors and will be the primary LCD source for the iPad; obviously, Apple does not want to sue a valuable supplier. HTC has nothing to do with Apple and is enjoying greater growth in the States than any other smartphone maker. Is Apple threatened? Of course.

I do not fault Apple for suing HTC but do criticize it for not including all other Android manufacturers. Given HTC’s established history, I would be shocked if Apple believes that it will win a unanimous victory. HTC is not a fly-by-night operation but was the first to launch a touchscreen smartphone before the iPhone and holds many industry “firsts.” Apple’s suit is likely designed to clarify patent laws and to dissuade smaller firms from encroaching on its territory, but HTC is not about to back down. Jobs is unhappy that Google entered the smartphone market to compete against its iPhone, but rather than litigate against Google, Apple can go after the partner that manufactures the Nexus One. Apple’s lawsuit names HTC, but it is far-reaching and impacts all Android handset brands.

HTC shipped 5.5 to 6 million smartphones in 2009 and expects to be supplying even more this year. High profile releases like the Nexus One, the upcoming Evo 4G and Verizon Incredible put HTC clearly at the front of the Android battle with Apple’s iPhone. Internationally, HTC has surpassed Motorola as the 4th biggest smartphone brand. CEO Peter Chou wants the 3rd spot (on which Apple presently presides) by 2012.

Although Chou wishes that Apple would just talk over the two companies’ disagreement, he has an aggressive legal defense ready should the matter reach trial.

Apple had better brace itself for a hellacious fight because mega corporations like Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, Rogers, Telus, big European carriers, Microsoft, and Google have hardly been jumping off HTC’s bandwagon since the lawsuit was filed.