Nokia Takes Legal Action Against Amazon Over Streaming Technology Patents in US and India
Nokia Oyj has filed lawsuits against Amazon.com Inc. in multiple courts across three continents, claiming that the e-commerce giant is utilizing its technologies in streaming services and devices without proper authorization.
Lawsuits have been filed in the United States, Germany, India, Great Britain and the European Unified Patent Court, Arvin Patel, Nokia’s licensing manager, said in a statement on the company’s website. In addition, a lawsuit was filed against HP Inc. in the United States over video-related technologies, he said.
“We’ve had discussions with Amazon and HP for many years, but sometimes litigation is the only way to respond to companies that choose not to follow the rules that others follow and respect,” Patel said.
Companies that provide video streaming services or streaming devices enjoy “huge benefits” from Nokia’s research, which in turna has to be compensated accordingly, Patel said.
Amazon and HP did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.
Nokia said litigation is never its first choice and that most of its patent license agreements have been settled amicably. However, regulators such as the European Commission have in recent years sought to reduce the number of disputes over technology such as mobile phones that end up in court – arguing that protracted disputes can stifle innovation.
In June, Nokia announced a licensing agreement with Apple Inc. without disclosing the terms.
