Dear Loop,
It is with trepidation that I dare to contradict (no sarcasm intended) the most informative poster on this site, but I fail to see all the implecations that you see in this 8K.
Parsed it says, ... "The Tribunal" meaning the three arbitors, told IDCC and Nokia that the ICC, meaning the head office, "has set May 31st as the last date", meaning a deadline, "for rendering a Final Award", meaning issuing its report.
All this tells me is that a deadline has been set to complete the next steps in the process. As I understand from other posters those steps mean that the Tribunal has received final arguements from the two companies. By May 31st they will make their decision, write up their report (which hopefully will include a calculation of moneys owed IDCC), submit the report to the head office, who will review the report by I assume some assigned staff committee, print the report, and issue it to the two companies.
Nowhere in this do I see your conclusion that the parties have requested additional time - that you also conclude is needed to finalize a settlement. The ICC informs the Tribunal of the final steps in the process simply because the ICC controls the speed of the final review and they must therefore determine the final date.
I do agree with the many posters that the long time involved implies a monetary award to IDCC, as it is very simple process to say "no trigger". It is very complicated to calculate an award based upon comparing Nokia's model mix and contract ogligations to Ericcson's model mix and contract obligations.
Great news ---- but not indications of a settlement.
Respectfully,
Q
PS: Unfortunately I believe that Nokia will not give up the fight on 3G. They have wrapped themselves in a blanket of superiority, and will continue their "crusade" against other's IPR as they see it hinders their profitability.