A Wireless Patent Battle Continues: Qualcomm v Nokia

Late last month, Qualcomm Inc (Qualcomm) launched an additional patent infringement action against its competitor Nokia, this time in the United Kingdom. In November 2005, Qualcomm's subsidiary, SnapTrack, commenced patent infringement litigation in the United States alleging Nokia infringed 11 of Qualcomm's and one of Snaptrack's US patents relating to the manufacture or sale of mobile devices supporting the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) cellular standard and seeking both an injunction and monetary damages from Nokia. In this more recent UK suit, Qualcomm has alleged that Nokia infringed two of its UK patents relating to the GSM standard and similarly seeks an injunction and monetary damages. In both actions, Qualcomm alleges that each of Nokia's GSM, GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) phones is infringing. Late in 2005, Nokia joined in proceedings against Qualcomm. Along with several other mobile telecommunication companies, Nokia filed complaints with the European Union alleging Qualcomm had engaged in anticompetitive practices. The two companies have a cross-licensing agreement which is set to expire in 2007, which may explain the recent bout of litigation. For a news article on the UK action, visit: http://www.infoworld.com/article/reuters/2006-05-24_WEN8270.html To review an article on the US action, see: http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/07/hnqualcommsuit_1.html Summary by: Lenni Carreiro