UK deals 2nd blow against Qualcomm's Nokia suit
updated 02:15 pm EST, Mon March 3, 2008
UK Rules QComm Nokia Suit
Qualcomm was dealt a second blow in its lawsuits against Nokia today by the UK High Court, rendering invalid some of the company's accusations of patent infringement against the cellphone maker. Following a similar defeat in the US through the International Trade Commission, Qualcomm was informed that its power control and savings management techniques were not infringed by any chipsets inside Nokia's GSM-based cellphones. Qualcomm says it is "actively considering" appealing the decision and receiving permission to change its patent to eliminate the technical disputes that led to the new ruling.
The decision brings both Nokia and Qualcomm closer to the end of their disputes, which have threatened to block shipments of chips from either company after the two accused each other of illegally using each other's patents. Both recently agreed to strike a truce and cease filing lawsuits as well as to halt some of their existing court complaints.
Nokia has responded only by saying that the firm is "pleased" with the results, noting that this is the second time a court has ruled that Nokia's GSM technology is unique.
