ITC puts Apple, Nokia complaints on equal footing

The US International Trade Commission on Friday agreed to investigate Apple's patent complaint against Nokia. Its investigation will determine whether or not Nokia's phones are violating nine Apple patents. A successful investigation could result in a ban against importing most or all Nokia phones into the US.

The agreement follows a similar decision by the ITC to investigate Nokia's own claims, which cover not only iPhones but iPods, Macs and other Apple hardware. Both trade complaints have been seen as bargaining tactics for related countering lawsuits to push one side or the other into pursuing an out-of-court settlement.

The actions were originally triggered by Nokia suing Apple for refusing to license allegedly valid patents for 3G and thus skimping on royalty payments. Apple has so far refused to move and has accused Nokia of trying to make up for losses in smartphone market share by dragging down a competitor. Most observers note that Nokia had virtually abandoned touchscreen phones until the 5800 XpressMusic, which only shipped a year and a half after the first iPhone.

Neither company has commented on the latest step in the mutual complaints, which are unlikely to be completed for roughly a year.

By Electronista Staff