Former Nokia Employees to Launch Mobile Operating System

The Wall Street Journal reports that some former Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) employees have raised 200 million euros ($257.8 million) from several telecommunications companies to launch a new mobile operating platform based on discarded Nokia technology. They plan to unveil a new phone next month that operates on the MeeGo operating system, which Nokia abandoned in 2011 in favor of Microsoft Corp.’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) Windows.

So why get into a market dominated by Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone and devices running Google Inc.’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android software? Jussi Hurmola, CEO of Finnish start-up Jolla Ltd., indicated that Apple’s aggressive legal campaign to beat back the growth of Android has prompted worried smartphone manufacturers to look for alternatives.

“Much of the recent litigation between Apple and Android makers have touched upon user interface infringement,” he said. “Our software is well patented and we haven’t copied anybody. That’s a big opportunity for device makers.”

Jolla plans to distribute its version of MeeGo free of charge to device makers. The company will earn fees from licensing its developed software features, as well as intellectual property rights related to the user interface. The system should be ready for licensing by other device manufacturers, design houses and service companies next spring.

Hurmola also suggested that an initial public offering might be in the company’s future.