A patent agreement between Apple and HTC forbids the Taiwanese company from making and selling mobile devices that copy what is described as the "Distinctive Apple User Experience," according to a redacted version of the agreement filed in a California court." reports the "IDG News Service" (http://macte.ch/AIaz0).

The "slide to unlock" feature at the bottom of the screen of some Apple devices, for example, could qualify as a distinctive Apple user experience, while the "pinch to zoom" functionality does not, and will not be considered a "cloned feature," according to the document. According to the IDG News Service, disputes over cloning are to be referred for arbitration, if company executives fail to arrive at a resolution. HTC may be required to remove the cloned feature in its design within 90 days, and Apple may only dispute features designed by HTC in this way.

Last month Apple and HTC reached a global settlement that includes the dismissal of all current lawsuits and a ten-year license agreement. The license extends to current and future patents held by both parties.