InterDigital wins Nokia patent dispute

HELSINKI: A US federal court ruled in favour of wireless technology firm InterDigital Communications Corp. in a $252 million patent royalty dispute with mobile phone maker Nokia, InterDigital said.

A federal judge confirmed an arbitration ruling which had been handed down in June but was contested by Nokia, the U.S.-based wireless firm said in a statement late on Wednesday.

InterDigital said the International Court of Arbitration's ruling meant Nokia would have to pay between $232 million and $252 million in royalty payments for technology in 2G and 2.5G handsets and network equipment for the years 2002 to 2006.

Nokia, the world's biggest mobile handset maker, had challenged the arbitration award, asking for a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The Finland-based group said it was studying the court's ruling and considering its options.

"The parties are continuing discussions on how to apply the decision," Nokia spokeswoman Riitta Mard said.

InterDigital Chief Executive William J. Merritt said his company would try to get Nokia to pay up and wanted to speed up settlement of any outstanding issues with the mobile giant.

InterDigital, which is based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, receives most of its revenue from royalties on patents.