Nokia Sues Apple Over iPhone Technology

Nokia, the world's biggest cell phone maker, is suing Apple in US federal court for alleged copyright infringement, saying it has 10 claims on the technology used in the iPhone. The Finnish company said Apple used "fundamental" patented technologies concerning wireless data, speech recognition, security, and encryption. It has reasons to be concerned: This week Apple posted a blazing 47% jump in quarterly profits, while Nokia swung to a loss.

"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," said Nokia's head of legal affairs. Apple, which has sold 30 million iPhones, refused to comment—but the American company threatened to sue competitor Palm on similar grounds earlier this year.
(More Nokia stories.)