Two flagship HTC handsets have been blocked from entry into the US due to an ongoing patent dispute between the Taiwanese manufacturer and Apple.

As revealed by PC World, US Customs are holding up imports of both HTC's Android-based One X, and the Evo 4G LTE thanks to an exclusion order issued by the country's International Trade Commission.

From May to December

"US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard US Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order," revealed an HTC official.

"We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval."

The move is a serious - though likely temporary - blow to HTC, with the One X having only launched in the US on 4 May. The HTC Evo 4G LTE was also due to launch on 18 May.

Both bans, however, are the end result of the ITC's exclusion order, issued back in December owing to claims HTC has violated Apple patents. The block itself actually went into effect on 19 April.

[source: PC World]