Technology patent suits are notorious for their vicious, drawn-out, and expensive lives. The most notable on the world stage has been Apple and Samsung's attempt in several countries to prevent the sales of each other's' products based on alleged patent violations. But a newer claim has entered the arena with two other big-name global technology companies: Nokia and Google.

While Google is a household internet behemoth, Nokia has been in the news recently for struggling to hold its ground in the mobile market. Indeed, the company was recently acquired by Microsoft. But the Finland-based phone maker still has some tricks up its sleeve, and they likely reside in Nokia's mapping technology.

Forbes recently reported that Nokia could be taking on Google's mapping and navigation software with patents that predate Google's designs. Since the mobile business is now going to Microsoft, the patent trials will be between Google and Microsoft, and Nokia's mapping software has the advantage of time. The company's navigation and transit technology patents allegedly predate Google Maps patents and other mapping software that the company has made integral in its Android operating system.

Other sources note that Nokia has been keeping patent lawsuits against Google in its back pocket, waiting until the optimal moment to bring the internet company to court. Google's acquisition of GPS and navigation software company Waze could introduced such an opportunity.

While Nokia would certainly be taking on an expensive legal project with Google in court, the result would likely not be to get Google's ubiquitous mapping software out of the hands of consumers. Instead, Nokia would seek licensing fees.

Further reading:

Technology patent suits are notorious for their vicious, drawn-out, and expensive lives. The most notable on the world stage has been Apple and Samsung's attempt in several countries to prevent the sales of each other's' products based on alleged patent violations. But a newer claim has entered the arena with two other big-name global technology companies: Nokia and Google.

While Google is a household internet behemoth, Nokia has been in the news recently for struggling to hold its ground in the mobile market. Indeed, the company was recently acquired by Microsoft. But the Finland-based phone maker still has some tricks up its sleeve, and they likely reside in Nokia's mapping technology.

Forbes recently reported that Nokia could be taking on Google's mapping and navigation software with patents that predate Google's designs. Since the mobile business is now going to Microsoft, the patent trials will be between Google and Microsoft, and Nokia's mapping software has the advantage of time. The company's navigation and transit technology patents allegedly predate Google Maps patents and other mapping software that the company has made integral in its Android operating system.

Other sources note that Nokia has been keeping patent lawsuits against Google in its back pocket, waiting until the optimal moment to bring the internet company to court. Google's acquisition of GPS and navigation software company Waze could introduced such an opportunity.

While Nokia would certainly be taking on an expensive legal project with Google in court, the result would likely not be to get Google's ubiquitous mapping software out of the hands of consumers. Instead, Nokia would seek licensing fees.

Further reading: