Nokia “invented” a high amplitude dual membrane microphone that allows people to record really loud scenes and still get decent audio. STMicroelectronics manufactured said microphones, and they showed them to HTC, who then decided to use them in the One. The thing is, Nokia’s microphones were supposed to be exclusive to Nokia, so the Finnish handset maker complained to the Dutch courts and they’ve now been granted a preliminary injunction.

What exactly does that mean? I’m not a lawyer, but I think it means HTC can’t legally sell the One in the Netherlands if it has those special microphones. The Netherlands is a country of nearly 17 million people, so while it’s not exactly a small market, it isn’t terribly important either.

HTC could simply use “inferior” microphones, though they’d have to make sure their marketing material doesn’t suggest that the Dutch one has the same high quality video recording features as the One for the rest of the world.

This stinks, there’s no getting around that, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Nokia. Given the situation they’re in, if they see a chance to hurt one of their competitors, then why not take it?

Update: Some clarifications need to be made. Thanks to the Engadget guys, it’s been made clear that the courts aren’t exactly penalizing HTC. They say HTC didn’t know about STMicroelectronics’ contract with Nokia, so they’re not at fault. That being said, STMicroelectronics will not be allowed to sell their fancy pants microphones to anyone other than Nokia for at least another half a year. HTC can still sell the One units they made with ST’s microphones, but once they run out they have to find another supplier.