Nokia vs. the World: A European Patent Showdown

When you open Netflix, Paramount+ or Pluto TV, you probably don’t think about the algorithms that squeeze massive video files into smooth streams on your device. But in the legal sphere, that compression technology is anything but invisible — it’s patented. And right now, it’s at the center of an international legal showdown.

Known for its iconic mobile phones, Nokia has reinvented itself as a research powerhouse, holding over 20,000 patents worldwide. Many of these cover video encoding and decoding — the “plumbing” that makes streaming possible without buffering every few seconds. Nokia claims that companies like Paramount, Acer, Asus, and Hisense have been using this technology without proper licenses. After years of unsuccessful negotiations, Nokia is now suing across U.S., Brazilian, and European courts, demanding that these global brands play by the rules or pay the price.

As a European company, Nokia operates in one of the world’s most regulated markets, where intellectual property protection is taken seriously. Its opponents, ranging from Hollywood streamers to Asian electronics giants, often come from jurisdictions with looser enforcement traditions. If Nokia succeeds, it won’t just secure damages; it could also send a wider message: Europe intends to set the tone for how international tech players respect IP rights. Given Nokia’s track record of winning settlements from giants like Amazon and HP, its chances in court shouldn’t be underestimated.

For companies big and small, the takeaway is clear: innovation most valuable when it’s protected. Licensing isn’t just paperwork — it’s the key to avoiding multi-million-dollar disputes that can stall growth and damage reputations. As the streaming wars spill into the courtroom, businesses everywhere are reminded that intellectual property law isn’t an abstract concept. It’s the rulebook of modern competition.

Understanding where patents begin and end is no longer optional. Our team can help you navigate that line before it turns into a legal battle. Contact KOREJZOVA LEGAL and get a consultation today!

Text:

Brittain, Blake. ‘Nokia Sues Acer, Asus, Hisense in US over Video Streaming Technology’. Reuters, 8 Apr. 2025. Litigation. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/nokia-sues-acer-asus-hisense-us-over-video-streaming-technology-2025-04-08/.

Brittain, Blake. ‘Nokia Sues Paramount over US Video-Streaming Patents’. Reuters, 22 Aug. 2025. Litigation. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/nokia-sues-paramount-over-us-video-streaming-patents-2025-08-22/.

Photo: 

'Person Using Black Nokia Windows' by JÉSHOOTS: https://www.pexels.com/photo/apps-digital-hand-media-4957/