Nokia Sues Apple for Patent Infringement

­Nokia is suing Apple for allegedly infringing its patents for GSM, UMTS and wireless LAN (WLAN) standards within its iPhone smartphones.

The ten patents in suit relate to technologies fundamental to making devices which are compatible with one or more of the GSM, WCDMA and wireless LAN standards. The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are allegedly infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007.

Nokia says that it has already successfully entered into license agreements including these patents with approximately 40 companies, including virtually all the leading mobile device vendors.

"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," said Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Legal & Intellectual Property at Nokia. "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 legal action has been filed with the Federal District Court in Delaware

Posted to the site on 22nd October 2009