Nokia Claim Apple Infringe Patents In All Phones, PMPs & Computers
The ongoing legal battle between Nokia and Apple has gained another layer of complexity today, as Nokia demand a United States International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation based on accusations of "Apple's practice of building its business on Nokia's proprietary innovation." Distinct from the litigation in Delaware, which concerns Nokia's wireless standard patents, this new investigation would concern UI, camera, antenna and power management technologies.
Such technology, Nokia claims, are what enables the Finnish company to make smaller, longer-lasting and cheaper handsets, with the company's general manager in charge of patent licensing, Paul Melin, describing the IP as "pioneering". "Nokia has been the leading developer of many key technologies in small electronic devices" the executive claims.
Apple has already accused Nokia of "stealing" the Cupertino company's technology, in response to the original Delaware suit. "Other companies must compete with us by inventing their own technologies, not just by stealing ours," said Bruce Sewell, Apple's General Counsel and senior vice president.
Press Release:
Nokia requests ITC investigation into Apple patent infringement
December 29, 2009Espoo, Finland – Nokia announced it has today filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that Apple infringes Nokia patents in virtually all of its mobile phones, portable music players, and computers.
The seven Nokia patents in this complaint relate to Nokia's pioneering innovations that are now being used by Apple to create key features in its products in the area of user interface, as well as camera, antenna and power management technologies. These patented technologies are important to Nokia's success as they allow better user experience, lower manufacturing costs, smaller size and longer battery life for Nokia products.
"Nokia has been the leading developer of many key technologies in small electronic devices" said Paul Melin, General Manager, Patent Licensing at Nokia. "This action is about protecting the results of such pioneering development. While our litigation in Delaware is about Apple's attempt to free-ride on the back of Nokia investment in wireless standards, the ITC case filed today is about Apple's practice of building its business on Nokia's proprietary innovation."
About Nokia
Nokiais a pioneer in mobile telecommunications and the world's leading maker ofmobile devices. Today, we are connecting people in new and different ways -fusing advanced mobile technology with personalized services to enable peopleto stay close to what matters to them. We also provide comprehensive digitalmap information through NAVTEQ; and equipment, solutions and services forcommunications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.
Duringthe last two decades, Nokia has invested approximately EUR 40 billion inresearch and development and built one of the wireless industry's strongest andbroadest IPR portfolios, with over 11,000 patent families. Nokia is a world leader in the development ofhandheld device and mobile communications technologies, which is also demonstratedby Nokia's strong patent position.