The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted Friday to begin an investigation into complaints filed by HTC against Apple. The products in question are “portable electronic devices that utilize certain power management methods and may incorporate hardware and software for telephone directories within mobile telephone systems,” stated a release from the ITC.

In a May 12 statement, Taiwan-based HTC stated that it had taken “legal action against Apple Inc., filing a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to halt the importation and sale of the iPhone, iPad and iPod in the United States.”

“We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners, and most importantly our customers that use HTC phones,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of North America for HTC, in a statement.

HTC’s complaint alleges violations of the Tariff Act of 1930. The complainant requests that the ITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

In a statement, the U.S. ITC said it will make a final determination in the investigation at the “earliest practicable time.” Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.