The success of 3G phone technology is being put at risk by a patent dispute between Nokia and Qualcomm, Nokia said today.

According to Reuters, the handset maker argues that uptake of the technology is threatened because of the legal battle between itself and chip maker Qualcomm.

Chief technology officer Tero Ojanpera said: "We are in negotiations but there's no agreement. This whole discussion might have an impact on 3G technology."

He warned that uncertainties about the licenses mean people are investing in mobile WiMAX rather than 3G technologies.

The two had a cross-licensing agreement up until April this year. The deal said Nokia would pay fees to Qualcomm to use patented technology. It also set out how Qualcomm could use technology for which Nokia claims it holds patents.

But the agreement is the subject of ongoing legal wrangling in Europe, and expired before they could agree renewal terms. ®

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