Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Nokia claims Apple is unoriginal

THE SPAT between Finnish phone maker Nokia and fruit-themed toymaker Apple has now moved on to the International Trade Commission (ITC) in the US.

According to Reuters, Nokia claims that Jobs' Mob nicked a number of its patented ideas, and it's apparently asked the ITC to do something about that.

Nokia had sued Apple over 10 mobile phone technology patents in October. Apple replied by countersuing Nokia over 13 of its patents and also threw in charges of anti-competitive practices.

Now Nokia has filed a complaint with the US ITC alleging that Apple infringes Nokia patents in "virtually all of its mobile phones, portable music players, and computers." The areas in which Nokia alleges Apple is infringing include user interface, camera, antenna and power management technologies.

If Nokia prevails in its complaint before the ITC that could make life difficult for Apple. The ITC could stop Apple from importing its toys from overseas, which would put a real damper on the Cappuccino company's business since all Apple gear is made in China these days.

A Nokia spokesman said the firm expects the ITC to decide whether to pursue the case within about 30 days. Any possible injunction against the sale of Apple products would not take effect until early 2011.

Normally what happens in situations like this is that the two sides up the ante until they both agree to let each other use all their patented technologies. Still, it will be funny if the ITC happens to rule that Apple nicked all its best ideas from Nokia before the firms get around to settling. ยต

 

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1567042/nokia-claims-apple-unoriginal