Apple wins first round in patent fight with Nokia

A Judge with the International Trade Commission in Washington has sided with Apple in a dispute Nokia brought claiming the iPhone was violating key patents.

Bloomberg News and other wire services report that the ITC has found that Apple isn't violating 5 Nokia patents. Nokia had asked the Commission to bar the sale of the iPhone. Apple doesn't have any comment on the decision today and a Nokia spokesperson in Finland says the company does not agree there has been no violation. The patents in question are related to cameras, battery life, messaging, speakers and the touch screen.

Apple has brought its own patent action against Nokia. Another Judge is expected to have a decision on that issue in June. Today's findings by the ITC Judge are subject to review by the six member Commission.