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Mobile titans clash, as Nokia asks US to protect it from Qualcomm patent infringements

by Bill Ray | posted on 19 August 2007

Nokia has requested that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) investigate Qualcomm's importing of products infringing Nokia patents, with a view to getting such imports banned.

Qualcomm is already banned from importing, to the US, chips (or handsets containing chips) which infringe a patent owned by Broadcom. The company has been working to find ways around that patent, while still contesting the infringement.

Nokia reckons Qualcomm is infringing five of its patents, and is looking to get a similar import ban imposed.

"We are seeking the same remedies Qualcomm has sought against Nokia in multiple venues around the world," Nokia chief financial officer Rick Simonson said.

Qualcomm is still in dispute with Nokia about various patent infringements, including chip designs as well as Qualcomm's MediaFLO and BREW products.

The ITC started investigating the Broadcom infringement in June 2005, but the eventual ban didn't come until two years later. This makes Nokia's request a long-term move which reaffirms that it is in for the duration, and puts additional pressure on Qualcomm to settle early.