EU/Canada: Device maker calls for probe into Nokia patent licensing inconsistency

A Canada-based manufacturer of various communication devices is calling on the European Commission to launch an investigation into Nokia Oyk, based in Finland, over what it claims are “unfavorable and unreasonable” royalty terms for companies to license Nokia patents.

Sierra Wireless Inc. filed a complaint with the Commission, accusing Nokia of charging inconsistent rates for Nokia-owned standard essential patent licenses for various 3G technologies.

Reports say Sierra is also calling on the US Federal Trade Commission to launch its own investigation into the matter.

EU regulators confirmed that they have received Sierra’s complaint.

In response, Nokia called the accusations “frivolous,” launching a counter-attack that accuses Sierra of being “in breach of Nokia’s existing license terms for several years” and failing to pay patent royalty fees.

Regulators around the world are beginning to crackdown on so-called patent trolls and excessive patent litigation, as companies are collecting royalties by purchasing standard patents necessary for various product makers.

Full Content: Bloomberg

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