Nokia, the world’s largest maker of mobile phones, announced on Friday that it had filed a complaint against Apple with the Federal District Court in the Western District of Wisconsin, alleging that Apple iPhone and iPad 3G products infringe five important Nokia patents.

"Nokia has been the leading developer of many key technologies in mobile devices. We have taken this step to protect the results of our pioneering development and to put an end to continued unlawful use of Nokia's innovation,” said Paul Melin, general manager of patent licensing at Nokia.

The patents in question relate to technologies for enhanced speech and data transmission, using positioning data in applications and innovations in antenna configurations that improve performance and save space, allowing smaller and more compact devices. These patented innovations are important to Nokia's success as they allow improved product performance and design.

At least officially, Nokia did not reveal any of its actual demands for the court. Potentially, Nokia would like to demand blocking sales of iPhone and iPad 3G, something that it will hardly ever achieve.

During the last two decades, Nokia has invested approximately €40 billion in research and development and built one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios, with over 11 000 patent families. Nokia is a world leader in the development of handheld device and mobile communications technologies, which is also demonstrated by Nokia's strong patent portfolio.

Tags: Nokia, Apple