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Nokia launches legal challenge against Apple over iPhone
23.10.09
Mobile phone manufacturer Nokia launched a legal challenge on Apple, alleging its US rival's iPhone infringes 10 patents.
The Finnish company said it lodged a complaint with a US court yesterday.
The lawsuit filed in Delaware District Court accused Apple of infringing Nokia patents relating to technology covering wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption used in iPhones.
Ilkka Rahnasto, vice president, legal and intellectual property at Nokia, said: "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.
"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."
The move sets the stage for a future court battle between Nokia and its American challenger over an in-demand product.
Mobile phones are expanding their offerings to consumers, turning into mini-computers with e-mail, music and video available to users.
Nokia is the biggest maker of "smartphones" but is facing growing challenges in the market from the iPhone and BlackBerry range.
Last week, Nokia announced a third-quarter loss while this week Apple reported a 47% rise in profits.
Reader views (4)
Good for them, Apple are rip off merchants.
Looking forward to Android v2 on the Sony Ericsson to come in early 2010 hopefully!
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Roll on Android V2, the Symbian and Apple mobile Operating Systems will seem obselete (although I already hate my iPhone).
- Bob, Cheam
Nokia makes excellent phones. Substantially better value than overhyped, tacky Apple rubbish beloved of nerds.
- Annie, London
Nokia makes rubbish phones. Maybe the intellectual property could be "since we can't make anything that anybody wants to buy" we'll sue someone who can. Unbelievable. Didn't Apple fit this intellectual property rights against Microsoft with Windows and lost? Turned out to be a right pane.
- Bob, London
