The FTC has said that there is enough evidence that Apple stole Nokia’s ideas and refused to pay up when asked nicely to get a licence – at least to start an investigation. 

Nokia said Apple agreed to license a few of Nokia Technologies' patents in 2011, but has declined offers by Nokia since then to license other patents whose inventions have been used in Apple mobile devices, including the iPhone and iPad, and the Mac.

The USITC said in a statement it had not yet made any decision on the merits of the case by the Finland-based Nokia unit, which is seeking a cease and desist order and a limited exclusion order in the case.

lkka Rahnasto, head of patent business at Nokia said the former rubber boot maker is in the process of filing further actions in other jurisdictions.

"After several years of negotiations trying to reach agreement to cover Apple's use of these patents, we are now acting to defend our rights," he said.