Apple file lawsuit against Nokia UK

Apple love to cause a bit of drama, and Reuters are now reporting that the technology giant have filed a lawsuit against Nokia in the UK.

The two enemy manufacturers have already been feuding in the US, with Nokia claiming that Apple owe them royalties for using their basic technologies for sending emails and downloading applications.

On Friday, however, Apple hit back at the Finnish manufacturer. In a statement Apple said it had filed a countersuit claiming that Nokia is infringing upon 13 of its patents, including their touchscreen technology. They go on to name the Nokia E71 handset as a particularly strong example.

“We are investigating the claims, which appear to be based on nine implementation patents already in suit between the two companies in the United States,” said Nokia spokesman Mark Durrant.

Some of Apple’s claims against Nokia are scheduled for a trial beginning November 1st, with Nokia’s case against Apple set to kick off on November 29th. Don’t hold your breath though, as it is likely to be years before either case is actually resolved, with a formal trial not set to take place until 2012. Boo.