Nokia has announced plans to sue smartphone rival Apple for patent infringment on technology used in its iPhone. Nokia believes it is due compensation, and has accused Apple of “trying to get a free ride on the back of Nokia’s innovation”.
Finnish firm Nokia states it has agreements with most handset manufacturers, allowing them to use their technology, but that Apple has not become part of this agreement.
Apple’s recent announced quarterly profits up 47% on the previous year, Nokia are struggling with profits down 20% over the same period. Some may alleged this legal action is a merely a smokescreen, and the real situation is that Nokia are on the run and grasping for any ammunition they can find to combat Apple’s recent dominance.
Nokia remain the world’s number one smartphone manufacturer, holding approximately 41% of the market as of January 2009. Apple’s market share is growing at between 3-7% each quarter, whilst Nokia’s is diminishing at a similar pace. If present trends continue, it is estimated Apple will have an equaled Nokia’s share of the smartphone market by early 2012.
