Google files patent claim against Microsoft, Nokia

(AP) SAN FRANCISCO -- Google (GOOG) is accusing Microsoft (MSFT) and Nokia (NOK) of abusing mobile patents in a way that will drive up the prices of cellphones and other wireless devices.

The claims were spelled out Thursday in a complaint filed with European regulators. Google Inc. also shared the complaint with the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission.

The complaint centers on 2,000 wireless patents that Nokia and Microsoft Corp. sold in September to MOSAID Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in collecting royalties on intellectual property. That deal was struck after Nokia agreed to switch its cellphones over to Microsoft's Windows operating system.

About 1,200 of the patents transferred to MOSAID are considered to be essential elements in the operation of most mobile devices.

Microsoft declined comment Thursday. Nokia couldn't be immediately reached.

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