Here is the quick “Rob J” version of the events: Nokia got complacent. Apple made the iPhone and got rich. Nokia was like, “Shit bro, they be pummelin’ us!” Nokia sues Apple saying, “Here are 10 things you stole from us to become successful.” Apple says, “Screw you dude, you’re just jealous. And to be honest… YOU are copying US”. Papers served.

The more “educated” summary can be found about Nokia’s initial suit with Apple (via Ars):

Nokia is claiming that Apple is unfairly profiting from Nokia’s hard work and €40 billion investment in developing wireless communications technologies with its iPhone. The company has today filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple, alleging infringement on ten of Nokia’s patents related to GSM, UMTS, and WLAN standards.

The ten patents in question cover aspects of 2G and 3G wireless connections, as well as WiFi integrated into mobile phones. Nokia has an extensive patent portfolio, claiming it has “over 10,000 patent families” and has been embroiled in other, related IP litigation with other industry players over the past several years.

And an Apple-issued Press Release published today:

CUPERTINO, California—December 11, 2009—Responding to a lawsuit brought against the company by Nokia, Apple® today filed a countersuit claiming that Nokia is infringing 13 Apple patents.

“Other companies must compete with us by inventing their own technologies, not just by stealing ours,” said Bruce Sewell, Apple’s General Counsel and senior vice president.

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