Nokia stands firm against latest Apple lawsuit

Apple has filed a new complaint against Nokia with the International Trade Commission (ITC) as the legal battle between the two smartphone giants continues to escalate.

The filing was posted with the ITC on Friday, and seeks to block Nokia from selling any mobile phones in the US in a suit similar to that filed by Nokia against Apple in December.

Nokia responded strongly to the news, saying that it will "study the complaint and defend itself vigorously". The company also reiterated its belief that Apple has unfairly used Nokia innovations within its products.

"This does not alter the fact that Apple has failed to agree appropriate terms for using Nokia technology, and has been seeking a free ride on Nokia's innovation since it shipped the first iPhone in 2007," said a spokesperson.

Nokia's sales in the smartphone market have suffered in recent years, and the two companies first clashed in October 2009 when Nokia accused Apple of using its technology on the iPhone without a licence.

However, Apple hit back in December by filing a claim that Nokia infringed 13 of its patents regarding handset operation and connections with computers.

Ian Fogg, an analyst with Forrester, said he did not think the legal battle would hurt the growth of either firm in the short term but said it was important they did not let the law suits distract them from constant innovation.

"The challenge for Apple and Nokia is to ensure that they continue to develop new products that consumers want rather than to let the law suits become an issue that affects their growth," he added.

Apple is currently involved in another legal dispute with camera manufacturer Kodak with relation to camera technology also used in its iPhone.

Apple was contacted but had not responded at the time of publication.