Posted on Friday, May 07 2010 @ 19:21 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Nokia and Apple are already in a legal feud, but the Finnish firm decided to add some more fuel to the fire by hitting Apple with a second lawsuit, alleging that the iPhone and iPad 3G products infringe five important Nokia patents.
Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced that it has today filed a complaint against Apple with the Federal District Court in the Western District of Wisconsin, alleging that Apple iPhone and iPad 3G products infringe five important Nokia patents.
The patents in question relate to technologies for enhanced speech and data transmission, using positioning data in applications and innovations in antenna configurations that improve performance and save space, allowing smaller and more compact devices. These patented innovations are important to Nokia's success as they allow improved product performance and design.
"Nokia has been the leading developer of many key technologies in mobile devices" said Paul Melin, General Manager, Patent Licensing at Nokia. "We have taken this step to protect the results of our pioneering development and to put an end to continued unlawful use of Nokia's innovation."
During the last two decades, Nokia has invested approximately EUR 40 billion in research and development and built one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios, with over 11,000 patent families. Nokia is a world leader in the development of handheld device and mobile communications technologies, which is also demonstrated by Nokia's strong patent portfolio.
Engadget
notes the lawsuit was filed in the Western District of Wisconsin, which is well-known for its fast handling of patent cases.
Interestingly, Nokia's filed this one in the Western District of Wisconsin, a so-called "rocket docket" that's well-known for bringing patent cases to settlement or trial in just over a year. That means we could see some real movement in this dispute within our lifetimes, but we're not holding our breath for a definitive conclusion -- by our count, Apple and Nokia now have some five pending legal actions between them, including one that's been placed on hold pending an ITC decision.
