14 DAY TRIAL // In what has turned into a complete fiasco, Nokia has again slammed Apple, this time filing a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that Apple infringes Nokia patents in virtually all of its portables, including the iPhone, iPods, and even its computers. Apple previously responded to a lawsuit brought against it by Nokia, filing a countersuit claiming that the latter was actually infringing 13 Apple patents.
In its complaint, Nokia mentions seven patents that relate to its pioneering innovations. The Finnish cell-phone maker claims these inventions and innovations in technology 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.” According to Nokia, “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.”
Responding to the first accusations brought against it, Apple revealed on December 11th that it had filed a countersuit claiming that Nokia was infringing 13 Apple patents. The Mac maker included a statement by Bruce Sewell, Apple’s general counsel and senior vice president, who, at the time, said, “Other companies must compete with us by inventing their own technologies, not just by stealing ours.”
Nokia’s own Paul Melin, general manager of Patent Licensing, issued a statement earlier this week, saying that Apple attempts "to free-ride on the back of Nokia investment in wireless standards", while "building its business on Nokia's proprietary innovation.” Needless to point out, this leaves the public extremely confused as to who is right and who is wrong. Softpedia strongly believes that more clarification is in order on this matter.