Nokia Makes Good on Threat, Countersues Qualcomm

After Qualcomm rejected a $20 million payment from Nokia made with the intention of extending a license to use the network chipset provider's WCDMA technologies, Nokia responded this morning by countersuing Qualcomm. It claims some of the underlying technology in Qualcomm's chipsets actually belongs to Nokia.

Last month, following Qualcomm's extension of its August 2006 patent suit against Nokia, the cell phone maker publicly argued that Qualcomm may be using technology covered by as many as 100 Nokia patents, in its GSM/WCDMA and CDMA2000 chipsets.

This morning's countersuit deals specifically with six patents, which the company states deals with "multi-band/multi-mode technologies, that allow seamless and transparent roaming for consumers, and direct conversion technologies that reduce handset and chipset size, cost and power consumption.

"These technologies have had a significant role in the success of Nokia devices," the company's statement this morning continued. "Qualcomm, through its unauthorized use of Nokia patents, has copied these innovations and made them available to its chipset customers."

Like a peacock spreading its feathers during a squabble over a prospective mate, Nokia's statement goes on to refer to its much broader portfolio, alluding to the 100+ Nokia patents that may contribute to next-generation cellular phones, any of which may presumably be deployed if Qualcomm wishes to take the matter further.

Qualcomm has yet to make a public statement on the countersuit, but if previous actions are any indication, it will do so shortly.