Pages

Friday, March 22, 2013

Blog 16: Google and HTC Sued by Nokia for Tethering Infringement in ITC


Google and HTC are in court again trying to protect itself against an infringement case brought by Nokia. This time Nokia is trying to ban all Samsung devices as they may hold patented technology used in tethering. Tethering is the ability for someone to use their phone in order to set up a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. In 1995, Nokia patented the capability of sending a data connection from a computer to set up a mobile device. At the time they did not even know how valuable the patent would be, so they did not bother setting up the patent in Europe. One argument Google is trying to claim that Nokia’s patent was only for using analogue devices, but now we are using 4G technology. Also, Google is trying claim that this patent is too broad and should therefore be thrown out. Apple and Blackberry have already settled this patent with Nokia, but Google is still fighting. Google seems like it will lose this case, and then they may have one more chance to prove that they are not infringing or their Samsung phones will be banned from importation.

2 comments:

  1. I have read the news as well. I think Nokia is kind of crazy of suing other companies. I think Google is right that the patent is too board. If Nokia wins the case, they can basic sue anyone else and win in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nokia's patent is quite broad. If it's ability to sue others is based on these broad interpretations and the ITC sees that, then Nokia definitely has an advantage: royalties from other companies

    ReplyDelete