It’s been less than a week since the team from Google unveiled their latest and greatest product, the Nexus 7 tablet, but already has it run into the mess of legal trouble that is patent infringement. It’s usually Apple and Samsung who we read about, plastered on headlines, waging war against each other’s products, but this time around it’s Nokia who are pointing the finger.
Google I/O played host to some 6000 developers and showcased the latest products and services from the company, one of which was the latest iteration of Android; 4.1 Jelly Bean. With the unveiling of a major Android release, Google also pulled out their new device, purpose built to run the new OS. Built in partnership with Asus, the Nexus 7 is the first Google Nexus tablet, but in its short life span since last Wednesday, Nokia have already identified an area of concern surrounding the tablet’s connectivity.
The Nexus 7 uses IEEE 802.11 WiFi technology, which Nokia claim they own the licenses to. As such, neither Google or Asus have the right to use said technology without having purchased a license from Nokia first.
An official spokesperson told The Inquirer, “Nokia has more than 40 licensees, mainly for its standards essential patent portfolio, including most of the mobile device manufacturers. Neither Google nor Asus is licensed under our patent portfolio. Companies who are not yet licensed under our standard essential patents should simply approach us and sign up for a license.”
It seems that Nokia are taking a softer tact to chasing up their patent claims (unlike some other companies) and assuming both Asus and Google agree to the terms of Nokia’s claims if infringement has occurred, consumers needn’t worry about it affecting the Nexus 7’s arrival to market in the coming weeks.
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