Nokia signs patent deal with Trimble

Nokia unveiled a patent-licensing deal with technology firm Trimble Navigation, aimed at tapping into the fast-growing mobile navigation market, a Reuters report said.

The Reuters report said Nokia will have exclusive rights to use Trimble's patents in wireless consumer products and services and can also sub-license rights to the Trimble patents to others.

Trimble, based in Sunnyvale, California, has more than 700 patents in technology that pinpoints users' locations, typically by communicating with positioning satellites or by measuring distances from mobile phone towers, the Reuters report said.

Waldemar Sakalus, director of business development at Nokia's Mobile Phones unit, was quoted as saying that Trimble's relevant portfolio "was very strong."

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement, but said it would not be material to revenue or profit at either firm, according to the Reuters report.