The U.S. International Trade Commission said it will investigate claims made by Nokia that Apple’s smartphones and tablets violate its patented technology.
Nokia filed its lawsuit with the ITC in December, accusing Apple of importing and selling “mobile phones, tablet computers, and components thereof” that infringe Nokia-held patents. Nokia is seeking an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
An administrative law judge will make a preliminary decision, followed by binding decision from the full ITC panel. The matter at hand pertains to ongoing, failed patent licensing negotiations between the two companies.
Technology companies often use lawsuits to force business partners to agree to certain terms. Following Nokia’s action against Apple in December, Apple filed a retaliatory lawsuit accusing Nokia of antitrust behavior. The government hasn’t yet officially responded to Apple’s legal filings.
