Nokia and Qualcomm patent arbitration begins: millions at stake, still boring

Looks like that agreement between Nokia and Qualcomm to postpone the dozen or so lawsuits they've filed against each other worldwide while an arbitrator tries to help sort out the mess is starting to bear some fruit -- the two cellphone giants are headed to court in Delaware on Wednesday to start the healing. In essence, Qualcomm says that Nokia still owes license fees on a CDMA agreement that expired in 2007 since it's been using the patented tech, and Nokia says that it doesn't owe anything because it's shelled out over $1B since 2001 and giving Qualcomm any more cash would be unfair. Not surprisingly for these two, it's likely that the outcome here will essentially be a draw, with the judge ruling that Qualcomm can charge whatever it wants, but that Nokia didn't extend the agreement. We'll see how things go, though -- this is just the beginning of what could very well be the early start of close to the end. Video summary of the entire dispute after the break.

[BratPAQ @ Jul 21st 2008 11:17AM]

either im really the 1st to coment, or no one really gives a rats ass what this 2 cellphone giants do

[Big Al @ Jul 21st 2008 11:28AM]

It could be that the comment systems acting up. I'm also a bit surprised about the lack of response.

[Clinton @ Jul 21st 2008 11:31AM]

Both.

[Kamokazi @ Jul 21st 2008 11:32AM]

Both....Engadget comment system seems to be glitching a bit today...again.....

[Big Al @ Jul 21st 2008 11:20AM]

I hope that Qualcomm gets put in their place. With all the underhand tactics that they use, it's no wonder that nearly everyone in the mobile phone industry hates their guts.

ROFLMAO at the video!!

[BigDaddyM @ Jul 21st 2008 11:39AM]

Why would Nokia not owe money? Was that in teh contract that when they paid the "1 Billion dollars!" they didn't owe anyting else?

Really? If I was Qualcomm I would sue as well. (Even if I was hated in the industry...)

If the contract ended and Nokia still used the tech illegally, then isn't there a penalty for infridgement? So back to how does Nokia not owe anything?

A contract is a contract. Of course lawyers don't see things this simply...
M

[crispy @ Jul 21st 2008 11:45AM]

The video is pretty awesome.

[Mark Anderson @ Jul 21st 2008 1:23PM]

That video is full of win.

[adrian @ Jul 21st 2008 4:02PM]

With those fees, Nokia should just buy a stake in qualcomm.