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Apple Seeks To Ban Nokia Imports To US
Hugh Pickens writes "Cnet reports that the ongoing patent battle between Apple and Nokia has escalated, with Apple moving to block imports of Nokia cell phones to the US by filing a complaint with the International Trade Commission, an independent federal agency that examines issues including unfair trade practices involving patent, trademark, and copyright infringement. In December, Nokia filed its own complaint with the USITC alleging that Apple infringes seven Nokia patents 'in virtually all of its mobile phones, portable music players, and computers' and sought to ban imports of Apple's iPhone, iPod, and MacBook products. Responding to Apple's latest move, Nokia spokesman Mark Durrant told Bloomberg that 'Nokia will study the complaint when it is received and continue to defend itself vigorously. However this does not alter the fact that Apple has failed to agree appropriate terms for using Nokia technology and has been seeking a free ride on Nokia's innovation since it shipped the first iPhone in 2007.' An ITC investigation is a lengthy process, but it's possible that Apple and Nokia might reach some sort of settlement as suits continue to escalate between the two companies."
Apple's arrogance shines through again as they deny that rules apply to them. They are quite happy to crush people, products and companies for even mentioning Apple in a less than positive light but refuse to accept that other companies have rights to. Nokia made more of the sodding iPhone than Apple did in terms of R&D and now as usuall are getting bitchy that people are actually expecting them to play by the rules. Something they have mostly avoided or lawyer mobbed their way out of until now.
I hope that Nokia epicly crushes Apple on the legal front to finally put Apple in its place for once. Chances are though that the usual Apple chroneisum will triumph when the standard issue iPod equiped, narrow minded US legal system gets its incompetant mitts on it.
I agree that they should take it to the EU, not that I usually support the EU's special brand of crazy that gives them liscence to print money from other peoples accounts (Intel, Microsoft) but it would be fantastic to finally see Apple being held to the same standard as everyone else. Hell the EU even questioned the mighty iTunes, maybe this time they will actually take action.