Nokia vs. Qualcomm spat begins at ITC

One of a number of patent-related issues between Nokia Corp. and Qualcomm Inc. will be heard today at the U.S. International Trade Commission.
The current case was filed last year by Qualcomm against Nokia, alleging that Nokia infringed on six Qualcomm patents by including them in various GSM/GPRS/EDGE devices. Qualcomm subsequently withdrew three patents from the complaint, so the hearing will examine the remaining three patents as they apply to certain Nokia handsets.
Nokia issued a statement today that it does not infringe on its rival’s patents and said that Qualcomm had declared its patents in question to be “essential” to GSM standards, meaning that the latter must license its patents on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Nokia said that “essential” patents should be exempt from injunctions and exclusionary orders such as those sought by Qualcomm at the ITC.
A Qualcomm spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
The current ITC matter is but one of numerous cases winding their way through courts and regulatory bodies that involved the two players. Many observers have said that each case is but a tactical legal maneuver to gain an advantage in ongoing efforts by the two players to sign a new cross-licensing agreement, which allows both sides to use the other’s patents under mutually agreeable terms. The former cross-licensing agreement between the parties expired April 9.