The all important ruling in the Apple vs. HTC patent ruling has been postponed to Dec. 19.

This is the second time that the case has been delayed.  Apple has accused the Taiwan maker of Android smartphones of infringing four of its patents, and has sought a ban on HTC imports into the United States.

Despite soft forecasts HTC smartphones have outsold Samsung and Apple smartphone’s in the USA in the third quarter: 24 percent, 21 percent and 20 percent, respectively, according to Canalys numbers. HTC has also filed a patent complaint against Apple with the ITC.