In total, Apple is allegedly infringing on 10 patents covered by the Finnish company -- the lawsuit was filed in the Federal District Court of Delaware.

"The basic principle in the mobile industry is that those companies who contribute in technology development to establish standards create intellectual property, which others then need to compensate for," Nokia Legal VP Ilkka Rahnasto said in a statement.  "Apple is also expected to follow this principle. By refusing to agree appropriate terms for Nokia's intellectual property, Apple is attempting to get a free ride on the back of Nokia's innovation."

Nokia reportedly invested near $60 billion into research and development, as the company owns a large patent portfolio.  The company, the largest mobile phone maker, signed previous licensing agreements with 40 various companies -- allowing them to use the technology it accuses Apple of infringing -- but Apple is trying to avoid paying.

For example, Nokia has a couple thousands UMTS-related patents alone, with even more in existence.

The Apple iPhone, with 7.4 million iPhones sold in Apple's most recent, most profitable quarter ever continues to chip away Nokia's smartphone market share.  Nokia dropped from 41% smartphone market share down to 35% in a single quarter.

Nokia didn't state exact examples of infringement, so it's unsure how legitimate these accusations are.