Nokia sues Apple over wireless patent dispute
updated 11:35 am EDT, Thu October 22, 2009
Nokia says iPhone violates GSM, 3G patents
Nokia on Thursday sued Apple in a Delaware court for allegedly infringing on ten wireless patents. The claim argues that all iPhones violate patents held by Nokia for GSM calling, 3G data and Wi-Fi as well as security. The Finnish company contends that its patents are recognized as key to cellphones and that Apple is enjoying a "free ride" by exploiting technology Nokia has supposedly developed.
"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," Nokia Legal and IP vice president Ilkka Rahnasto says. "Apple is also expected to follow this principle."
Apple has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
Nokia's lawsuit is already regarded as retaliation against Apple for its success in the phone marketplace. The former posted a $1.36 billion loss in its summer quarter as it shipped both fewer phones and shifted to less expensive phones. In smartphones, it has seen its share fall to 35 percent due partly to the iPhone and has had only mild success with its touchscreen devices: it sold 2 million N97s in three months where Apple sold 7.4 million iPhones in a similar amount of time.
Mac Elite
Joined: Oct 1999
Make your own product
Nokia seem to be incapable of making a good device themselves so they now try to sue to stop a competitor. Cheap!