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Nokia Files iPhone-Related Suit Against Apple Regarding Wireless Patents

Nokia today announced that it is filing a lawsuit against Apple claiming that the iPhone infringes on ten Nokia-held patents related to cellular and Wi-Fi technologies.

The ten patents in suit relate to technologies fundamental to making devices which are compatible with one or more of the GSM, UMTS (3G WCDMA) and wireless LAN standards. The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007.

Nokia notes that it has entered into licensing agreements for the intellectual property with approximately 40 other companies, but Apple has refused to agree to "appropriate terms".

"The basic principle in the mobile industry is that those companies who contribute in technology development to establish standards create intellectual property, which others then need to compensate for," said Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Legal & Intellectual Property at Nokia. "Apple is also expected to follow this principle. By refusing to agree appropriate terms for Nokia's intellectual property, Apple is attempting to get a free ride on the back of Nokia's innovation."

No further details regarding the exact patents in question or Nokia's desired outcome have been released.

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30 months ago
I hate to say it, but it actually looks like Nokia has a case here.
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
I've just seen this breaking news on BBC Business news.

Any more details on this yet?

EDIT - Official statement here:
http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/showpressrelease?newsid=1349562
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
It's on Reuters as well.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSLM66400720091022

Should be interesting to see where this goes.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
A sure sign of desperation on Nokias part.
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30 months ago

The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007, Nokia said.

"By refusing to agree appropriate terms for Nokia's intellectual property, Apple is attempting to get a free ride on the back of Nokia's innovation," Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President for Legal & Intellectual Property at Nokia, said in a statement.


I wonder if this means Nokia tried to work this out with Apple before hand, or if they went right to court...?
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
BBC Article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8321058.stm


Nokia, the world's biggest mobile phone maker, has said that it is suing its US rival Apple for infringing patents on mobile phone technology for the iPhone.

Nokia says it has not been compensated for its technology, and accused Apple of "trying to get a free ride on the back of Nokia's innovation".

The ten alleged patent infringements involve wireless data, speech coding, security, and encryption.

Apple's shares dipped after news of the action broke.

Finland's Nokia said that it had agreements with about 40 firms - including most mobile phone handset makers - allowing them to use the firm's innovation, but that Apple had not done so.

"The basic principle in the mobile industry is that those companies who contribute in technology development to establish standards create intellectual property, which others then need to compensate for," said Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Legal &
Intellectual Property at Nokia.

"Apple is also expected to follow this principle."

He added that during the last two decades, Nokia had invested approximately 40bn euros (£36.2bn; $60bn) on research and development.

The action has been filed in the Federal District Court in Delaware.


I think Nokia's just jealous. ;)
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
So if Nokia would rather see the iPhone leave the market place then get royalties, what does that mean for Apple?
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
:D What a coincidence ...
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
If you can't deliver product people want to buy, sue...

Jeez

Nokia swings to $1.36 billion loss between July and September 2009
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/10/15/nokias.summer.hurt.by.poor.phone.sales/
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30 months ago
Nokia is anything but desperate. Given how Apple does everything else, it's a lot more likely it has to grow up, act like a big boy and play nice with those who really did invent and perfect this stuff.
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