Apple won a preliminary ruling from a U.S. trade panel that handset maker HTC infringed on two of the California company's patents. An International Trade Commission judge on Friday made the ruling, but the full commission must now rule on whether it will uphold or reverse its administrative judge's decision.

HTC on Friday received notice of the ITC judge's initial determination in the Apple vs. HTC case, ITC No. 337-TA-710. Apple originally asserted 10 of its patents against HTC in March 2010, and the judge ruled today that HTC infringed on 2 patents. HTC said that it does not yet have access to the judge's full opinion and analysis to determine the details of his findings.

"We are highly confident we have a strong case for the ITC appeals process and are fully prepared to defend ourselves using all means possible," said Grace Lei, General Counsel of HTC. "We strongly believe we have alternate solutions in place for the issues raised by Apple. We look forward to resolving this case, so we can continue creating the most innovative mobile experiences for consumers."

The ITC's Staff Attorney independently studied the facts and argued at trial that HTC does not violate any of the 10 Apple patents.

The ITC has already ruled that Apple is infringing the patents of HTC's subsidiary S3 Graphics as part of ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-724. HTC announced its acquisition of S3Graphics on July 6, 2011.

Android-based smartphones have outpaced iPhones globally but Apple is gearing up to launch a new iPhone this year, which is likely to give it a big boost.

A final determination in the case is due on December 6.

Apple has filed a parallel lawsuit against HTC in a court in the U.S. District Court in Delaware.