It is barely a week since Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) launched its Nexus 7 tablet, and the lawsuits have started. Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) (BIT: NOK1V) (AMS:NOKA) has filled a suit against Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) over the new Tablet, Nexus 7.
Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) the Finnish based cell phone maker, claims that Google’s Nexus 7 tablet has infringed one of its patents, the IEEE 802.11 WiFi standard. Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) states that it can prove that neither Google nor ASUSTEK Computer Inc. (TPE:2357) (PINK:AKCPF), the hardware provider, have sought to license the technologies.
The Taiwan based company, Asus, built a 7-inch tablet that runs on Google Android’s new mobile OS; Jelly Bean. Google launched it last week at its I/O in San Francisco. The launch of the Nexus 7 followed Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s launch of its own tablet devices; this heightens the intensity of competition in the tablet market, one which Nokia is struggling to cling to a significant market share.
A Nokia spokes man told the Inquirer:
“Nokia has more than 40 licensees, mainly for its standards essential patent portfolio, including most of the mobile device manufacturers. Google and Asus are not licenced under under our patent portfolio.
“Companies that are not yet licensed under our standard, essential patents should simply approach us and sign up for a license.” CNET notes.
The inquirer is of the opinion that Nokia is unlikely to seek injunction, comparing the scenario to Apple vs. Samsung, where Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), managed to push for an injunction over Samsung in the U.S market over one of its patents. The report notes that Nokia is likely to ask Google and Asus to purchase the required licenses.
At the time of this writing, spokespeople for both companies declined to comment on the issue.
Shares of Nokia dropped approximately 0.50% in today’s shortened trading. Google shares were up 1.3% for the day.
The patent wars between tech companies are heating up. This appears to just be the latest example.
