Nokia's case against Apple could take three years to resolve

Apple is allegedly infringing patents with key products, including iPhone, iPods and computers

Nokia is seeing an increasing challenge from Apple in the smartphone market

Mobile manufacturer Nokia’s recent patent infringement case against Apple could take up to three years to resolve, according to Ronan De Renesse, senior analyst at consultancy Screen Digest.

The case was filed on 29 December and sees Nokia demanding damages for alleged infringement of seven Nokia patents in key Apple products, including the iPhone, as well as iPods and computers. Nokia also filed a claim with the International Trade Commission over the same patents.

The allegation follows patent infringement suits launched last year by both companies against the other and covers both applications and mobile network technology (hardware) held on the handsets.

Renesse said: “Nokia’s complaint against Apple is pretty aggressive and escalating – to say that Apple is infringing patents on most of its devices is a considerable claim.”

He also said that it is too early to predict an outcome, although possibilities include a financial settlement, such as that made between Nokia and wireless technology manufacturer Qualcomm in July 2008 following a three-year dispute, or the creation of licences for Nokia’s technology.

Apple has not yet responded to Nokia's most recent claim.

The case reflects Apple’s increasing weight within the smartphone sector where Nokia remains the leader.