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BlackBerry accuses Nokia of patent infringement

The two legacy brands have been battling for customers -- now, they're battling in the court, too.

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Headshot of Ry Crist
Ry Crist Former Senior Editor / Reviews - Labs
Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor from 2013 to 2024, Ry's beats included smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.
Expertise Smart home technology | Wireless connectivity Credentials
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Jessica is a passionate content strategist and team leader across the CNET family of brands. She leads a number of teams, including commerce, performance optimization and the copy desk. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on the iPhone and Samsung devices. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began her leadership role managing CNET's How To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones to home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick in the UK.
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The BlackBerry Mercury 7628

Sarah Tew/CNET

BlackBerry is crying foul against Nokia, alleging in a new lawsuit that its mobile networking products are infringing on as many as eleven of BlackBerry's patents without being properly licensed, according to Bloomberg.

The infringement case reportedly lands in the US District Court for the District of Delaware, in Wilmington, and comes as both the BlackBerry and Nokia names work to mount comebacks, complete with rumors of new phones aimed at ginning up nostalgia sales in 2017.

BlackBerry claims that its patented networking tech is essential to a mobile communications standard called 3GPP, and isn't seeking to block its use, Bloomberg said. Instead, the Canada-based brand licenses its technology out to competitors, and reportedly seeks damages from Nokia for failing to comply.

Nokia, a company best known for making Nokia phones (before licensing them to HMD Global), focuses on networking equipment, health (through its acquisition of Withings) and products like the 360-degree Ozo camera. Separately, HMD Global plans to unveil devices branded with the Nokia name.

BlackBerry didn't immediately respond to a request for comment and for information on what sort of damages the brand is seeking, while a Nokia representative tells CNET, "We're aware of the complaint, will study the claims made and take whatever steps are necessary to defend our rights."