Nokia used to be the name that was synonymous with mobile phones when they first started to hit the mainstream in the UK. The phone maker had some of the most popular handsets in the late nineties but when the market exploded it failed to keep its position. Despite phone innovative handsets in recent years, it’s still struggling to really keep its head above water.

However, the company that used to be top of the market has said it’s suing new market leader Apple for infringing patents of the mobile technology used for the iPhone. The company said that their technology was being used for the underlying mechanic of the phone and they aren’t being compensated. They believe that Apple is receiving “a free ride on the back of Nokia’s innovation”.

There are 10 alleged infringements that Nokia are suing for, and these include some fairly large portions of mobile technology including security, wireless data and speech. The breaches have applied to all models of the iPhone since its launch three years ago.

Vice President of legal and intellectual property for Nokia, Iikka Rhansto 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.”

But so far, despite agreements with around 40 other firms including the vast majority of all mobile handset makers Nokia have yet to sign an agreement with apple.

Earlier in the month Nokia posted a quarterly loss for the first time in a decade due to falling sales due to increased competition and customers turning towards the smartphone market. Meanwhile, applies profits continue to rise on the back of increased iPhone sales.


Written by: Douglas, who runs a website about UK SEO Agency