Apple to 'Vigorously' Defend Itself in Nokia Lawsuit

In its 10-K annual report (PDF) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and posted yesterday, Apple notes that it plans to "vigorously" defend itself from a lawsuit filed last week by Nokia claiming infringement of multiple cellular and Wi-Fi patents by Apple's iPhone.

The complaint alleges that these patents are essential to one or more of the GSM, UMTS and 802.11 wireless communications standards, and that the Company has the right to license these patents from plaintiff on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory ("FRAND") terms and conditions. Plaintiff seeks unspecified FRAND compensation and other relief. The Company's response to the complaint is not yet due. The Company intends to defend the case vigorously.

In its press release announcing the lawsuit, Nokia noted that approximately 40 other companies, including "virtually all the leading mobile device vendors," has licensed the intellectual property but that Apple and had refused to agree to "appropriate terms" for licensing.

Analysts have claimed that Nokia could be seeking up to $1 billion in damages from Apple in what is likely to be a protracted and costly legal dispute, regardless of outcome.