Nokia, a well-known Finnish telecommunications and technology company, has filed lawsuits against Amazon and HP in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and the European Unified Patent Court. The legal action is based on allegations that Amazon and HP have been using Nokia’s streaming and device technologies without authorization. The purpose of these lawsuits is to uphold Nokia’s intellectual property rights and ensure that companies honor established patent rights.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Nokia was a pioneer in the mobile phone industry. It has since transitioned into a leading provider of 5G network equipment and holds a substantial portfolio of around 20,000 patents. These patents cover essential technologies that have significantly contributed to the modern streaming industry, including innovations in video compression, content delivery, and recommendation systems.
Arvind Patel, Chief Licensing Officer at Nokia, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to engage in discussions with both Amazon and HP regarding licensing agreements. According to Patel, Nokia has been in discussions with both companies for several years, but sometimes resorting to litigation is necessary when companies do not comply with established rules.
Nokia’s position is based on its belief that there is a “mismatch” between those who drive innovations for over-the-top (OTT) services and those who benefit from these innovations without providing proper compensation. Since 2000, the company has invested over €140 billion ($148 billion) in research and development, resulting in a significant patent portfolio covering connectivity and multimedia technologies.
The lawsuits against Amazon and HP claim that both companies have refused to obtain licenses for Nokia’s patented technologies and have proceeded to use these technologies without permission. While Nokia hopes for a resolution through negotiations, it has taken legal action to protect its intellectual property rights.
Amazon has chosen not to comment on the pending litigation, and HP has not responded to Fortune’s request for comment.
In recent developments, Nokia has announced a strategic cost-cutting initiative, including the reduction of 14,000 jobs, to address challenges in the market environment. The company aims to reduce costs by €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) by 2026.
Despite these challenges, Nokia remains committed to innovation and protecting its intellectual property rights. The company hopes that Amazon and HP will take the necessary steps to respect these rights and reach a licensing agreement.
Image Source: Michael Vi / Shutterstock
