Nokia has filed a lawsuit against Apple in Delaware Federal District Court, claiming the iPhone violates 10 of Nokia’s expansive GSM, UMTS and Wi-Fi patents.
In a press release, Nokia stated:
“The ten patents in suit relate to technologies fundamental to making devices which are compatible with one or more of the GSM, UMTS (3G WCDMA) and wireless LAN standards. The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007.”
Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Legal & Intellectual Property at Nokia, further stated:
“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.”
Nokia also stated that 40 other companies currently license these same patents, which it deems fundamental to making GSM-based cell phones function with licensees including competing manufacturers. Nokia has not stated a specific amount for damages.
