Why Nokia Sueing Apple? Explained.

Nokia Sue Apple snapvoip.blogspot.com
The patent infringement case in which Nokia is seeking monies from Apple for GSM, UMTS (3G) and WiFi patents.engadget went on a digging safari to find out facta and came out with fact to show us it is a simple case of Nokia asking what is due from Apple. But more I read these patent cases, more I get confused. Why are we making standards based on patents? even if  "fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory" terms (or FRAND terms) are in place to stop companies like Nokia from gauging the rest of the world who ever makes a cell phone.
But I guess Apple would do the same if they owned the patent :).
So read and learn more about how these patents and law suits work.
engadget

Nokia Takes Apple To Court Over Patent Infringement On GSM, UMTS and wireless LAN (WLAN)

Nokia sues Apple Over Patent Infringement snapvoip.blogspot.com
The claim is filed in Delaware alleges ten counts of violations on Nokia's Patents in Apple's iPhone products.  The ten patents in suit relate to technologies fundamental to making devices which are compatible with one or more of the GSM, UMTS (3G WCDMA) and wireless LAN standards. The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007.

"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. 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." said Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Legal & Intellectual Property at Nokia.

With all moola Apple is hoarding without spending og R&D,  might pay for the claims, if Nokia is right. But who knows, lawyers got to live too and there for could be a lengthy battle
Nokia

ITC Rules In Favor Of Nokia In InterDigital's 3G (UMTS) Patent Case

InterDigital's 3G (UMTS) Patents
We are not big fans of patents but it is the law and we respect it. But we hope patent offices around the world, be more cautious when they issue patents. VoIP Patents are so many, even the current good boy Nokia has a bunch of VoIP patents and in 2006 we had 2049 VoIP Patents. Number will be much higher now and your guess is good as mine.
After a lengthy investigation, United States International Trade Commission (US ITC) judge issued an Initial Determination in favour of Nokia in the action brought by InterDigital against Nokia.
Now will Samsung get their money back from Interdigital?

Nokia's Press Release

New York, NY, USA - Nokia announced today that a United States International Trade Commission (ITC) judge issued an Initial Determination in favour of Nokia in the action brought by InterDigital against Nokia. The case, filed by InterDigital, alleged that Nokia infringed four patents that InterDigital asserts to be essential for the UMTS (3G) mobile standard. The judge found that there is no infringement of the four alleged patents and therefore, Nokia is not in violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act.

The judge's Initial Determination, issued on August 14, 2009, is consistent with a previous judgment in the United Kingdom that found several InterDigital patents not to be essential to the UMTS mobile standard.

"As a leading innovator Nokia respects valid and used IPR and expects others to do the same", said Ilkka Rahnasto, vice president, Nokia Legal and Intellectual Property. "We are willing to compensate other contributors with what is fair and reasonable for such IPR, however in the case of unrealistic and unwarranted demands, we are prepared to ensure through litigation that our rights are protected. We believe this initial determination by the ITC combined with earlier UK court decisions provide a strong indication that the asserted value of InterDigital's 3G patent portfolio may have been over-estimated."

The judge's Initial Determination will now be forwarded to the full Commission for review. The Commission is scheduled to make its Final Determination by around December 14, 2009. Ahead of the Final Determination, Nokia will continue to present its case to the ITC.
Nokia

Tags: Interdigital, Nokia, 3G (UMTS) Patents, US ITC, Nokia vs InterDigital