Review of Nokia transferring 2,800 staff to Accenture

NEW STRATEGY: Nokia is outsourcing its Symbian software development to Accenture and transferring 2,800 workers to the firm as the Finnish handset maker pushes ahead with plans to introduce its first Microsoft Windows phone this year.

Nokia Corp has completed a deal to outsource its Symbian software development to Accenture, including the transfer of 2,800 workers to the global management-consulting firm.

The announcement came two months after Nokia disclosed the plan as part of its aim to cut costs by US$1.5bil by 2013, including 7,000 global layoffs, and catch up with top rivals in the tough smartphone market.

The Finland-based company faces strong competition from Research in Motion's Blackberry, Apple's iPhone and Google's Android, as it continues to see market share fall. Last month it issued a big profits warning.

Nokia's share price has plunged in recent months and recently has been trading at multi-year lows of around US$6.05.

Nokia said Accenture PLC will provide it with software services through 2016 with the personnel transfer expected in October when the deal closes. Half of the workers are based in Finland with another 1,400 in China, India, Britain and the United States.

Besides the personnel transfer, Nokia has said it plans to lay off 4,000 people by the end of next year, mostly in Denmark, Finland and Britain.

Another step
In another move to improve services, Nokia will integrate its NAVTEQ mapping unit with social location services operations to develop "a new class of integrated social location products and services for consumers."

The struggling company, which claims more than 1.3 billion mobile customers, said it wants to provide new products and support for bringing the Internet "to the next billion."

It said the plan includes to develop platform services and local commerce services for device manufacturers, application developers, Internet services providers, merchants and advertisers.
CEO Stephen Elop said that focusing on location and commerce was "a natural next step" for the company.

"We will provide next generation social-location applications and commerce to differentiate Nokia," Elop said. "We also aim to extend our content and services offerings to all consumers by making them available to partners and customers on a wide variety of devices and operating systems."

Since 1998, Nokia has been the biggest seller of cellphones, but in the first quarter of this year Apple overtook it as the world's top handset vendor in revenue terms - reaching sales of US$11.9bil on shipments of 18.6 million devices against Nokia's revenue of US$9.4bil on shipments of 108.5 million units.

Although Nokia sold 432 million devices last year - more than its three closest rivals combined - its market share continues to fall. At 29% in the first quarter, it's at its lowest level since the late 1990s.

Wait and see
Even more damaging has been Nokia's inability to meet modern challenges of the smartphone market, the lucrative sector in the handset industry, where Nokia used to be the leading innovator.

Although it sold 24 million smartphones in the first quarter, 13% more than in 2010, its share in the sector plunged to 24% from 39% a year earlier.

Nokia has unveiled its N9 smartphone, based on its new MeeGo platform, but the handset received mixed reviews as markets are waiting to see the company's first Windows Phone.

Elop has said that the Windows-based phone will be launched later this year with bulk sales expected in 2012.

In February, Nokia announced a major strategy shift when it partnered with Microsoft Corp, saying it will gradually replace Symbian and MeeGo platforms with the Window-based software that will become the main software used in its cellphones.

Review of Nokia transferring 2,800 staff to Accenture

NEW STRATEGY: Nokia is outsourcing its Symbian software development to Accenture and transferring 2,800 workers to the firm as the Finnish handset maker pushes ahead with plans to introduce its first Microsoft Windows phone this year.

Nokia Corp has completed a deal to outsource its Symbian software development to Accenture, including the transfer of 2,800 workers to the global management-consulting firm.

The announcement came two months after Nokia disclosed the plan as part of its aim to cut costs by US$1.5bil by 2013, including 7,000 global layoffs, and catch up with top rivals in the tough smartphone market.

The Finland-based company faces strong competition from Research in Motion's Blackberry, Apple's iPhone and Google's Android, as it continues to see market share fall. Last month it issued a big profits warning.

Nokia's share price has plunged in recent months and recently has been trading at multi-year lows of around US$6.05.

Nokia said Accenture PLC will provide it with software services through 2016 with the personnel transfer expected in October when the deal closes. Half of the workers are based in Finland with another 1,400 in China, India, Britain and the United States.

Besides the personnel transfer, Nokia has said it plans to lay off 4,000 people by the end of next year, mostly in Denmark, Finland and Britain.

Another step
In another move to improve services, Nokia will integrate its NAVTEQ mapping unit with social location services operations to develop "a new class of integrated social location products and services for consumers."

The struggling company, which claims more than 1.3 billion mobile customers, said it wants to provide new products and support for bringing the Internet "to the next billion."

It said the plan includes to develop platform services and local commerce services for device manufacturers, application developers, Internet services providers, merchants and advertisers.
CEO Stephen Elop said that focusing on location and commerce was "a natural next step" for the company.

"We will provide next generation social-location applications and commerce to differentiate Nokia," Elop said. "We also aim to extend our content and services offerings to all consumers by making them available to partners and customers on a wide variety of devices and operating systems."

Since 1998, Nokia has been the biggest seller of cellphones, but in the first quarter of this year Apple overtook it as the world's top handset vendor in revenue terms - reaching sales of US$11.9bil on shipments of 18.6 million devices against Nokia's revenue of US$9.4bil on shipments of 108.5 million units.

Although Nokia sold 432 million devices last year - more than its three closest rivals combined - its market share continues to fall. At 29% in the first quarter, it's at its lowest level since the late 1990s.

Wait and see
Even more damaging has been Nokia's inability to meet modern challenges of the smartphone market, the lucrative sector in the handset industry, where Nokia used to be the leading innovator.

Although it sold 24 million smartphones in the first quarter, 13% more than in 2010, its share in the sector plunged to 24% from 39% a year earlier.

Nokia has unveiled its N9 smartphone, based on its new MeeGo platform, but the handset received mixed reviews as markets are waiting to see the company's first Windows Phone.

Elop has said that the Windows-based phone will be launched later this year with bulk sales expected in 2012.

In February, Nokia announced a major strategy shift when it partnered with Microsoft Corp, saying it will gradually replace Symbian and MeeGo platforms with the Window-based software that will become the main software used in its cellphones.

Review of Nokia transferring 2,800 staff to Accenture

NEW STRATEGY: Nokia is outsourcing its Symbian software development to Accenture and transferring 2,800 workers to the firm as the Finnish handset maker pushes ahead with plans to introduce its first Microsoft Windows phone this year.

Nokia Corp has completed a deal to outsource its Symbian software development to Accenture, including the transfer of 2,800 workers to the global management-consulting firm.

The announcement came two months after Nokia disclosed the plan as part of its aim to cut costs by US$1.5bil by 2013, including 7,000 global layoffs, and catch up with top rivals in the tough smartphone market.

The Finland-based company faces strong competition from Research in Motion's Blackberry, Apple's iPhone and Google's Android, as it continues to see market share fall. Last month it issued a big profits warning.

Nokia's share price has plunged in recent months and recently has been trading at multi-year lows of around US$6.05.

Nokia said Accenture PLC will provide it with software services through 2016 with the personnel transfer expected in October when the deal closes. Half of the workers are based in Finland with another 1,400 in China, India, Britain and the United States.

Besides the personnel transfer, Nokia has said it plans to lay off 4,000 people by the end of next year, mostly in Denmark, Finland and Britain.

Another step
In another move to improve services, Nokia will integrate its NAVTEQ mapping unit with social location services operations to develop "a new class of integrated social location products and services for consumers."

The struggling company, which claims more than 1.3 billion mobile customers, said it wants to provide new products and support for bringing the Internet "to the next billion."

It said the plan includes to develop platform services and local commerce services for device manufacturers, application developers, Internet services providers, merchants and advertisers.
CEO Stephen Elop said that focusing on location and commerce was "a natural next step" for the company.

"We will provide next generation social-location applications and commerce to differentiate Nokia," Elop said. "We also aim to extend our content and services offerings to all consumers by making them available to partners and customers on a wide variety of devices and operating systems."

Since 1998, Nokia has been the biggest seller of cellphones, but in the first quarter of this year Apple overtook it as the world's top handset vendor in revenue terms - reaching sales of US$11.9bil on shipments of 18.6 million devices against Nokia's revenue of US$9.4bil on shipments of 108.5 million units.

Although Nokia sold 432 million devices last year - more than its three closest rivals combined - its market share continues to fall. At 29% in the first quarter, it's at its lowest level since the late 1990s.

Wait and see
Even more damaging has been Nokia's inability to meet modern challenges of the smartphone market, the lucrative sector in the handset industry, where Nokia used to be the leading innovator.

Although it sold 24 million smartphones in the first quarter, 13% more than in 2010, its share in the sector plunged to 24% from 39% a year earlier.

Nokia has unveiled its N9 smartphone, based on its new MeeGo platform, but the handset received mixed reviews as markets are waiting to see the company's first Windows Phone.

Elop has said that the Windows-based phone will be launched later this year with bulk sales expected in 2012.

In February, Nokia announced a major strategy shift when it partnered with Microsoft Corp, saying it will gradually replace Symbian and MeeGo platforms with the Window-based software that will become the main software used in its cellphones.

Quick review of Nokia X7 and E6

Nokia Corp launched its first smartphones to run on the updated Symbian software with new icons, enhancements and a faster browser.

Nokia X7

It said the two models - the E6 and X7 - have longer battery life, better text input and new Ovi Maps applications with improved search and public transport routes.

The Nokia E6, with a standard Qwerty keypad and high resolution touch display, is aimed at corporate customers, while the Nokia X7 is an entertainment-focused handset with a 4in (10cm) display made for games.

The world's largest cellphone maker did not price the handsets.

Markets seemed unimpressed by the announcement, which comes as Nokia continues to struggle against stiff competition, especially from Apple Inc and Research in Motion Ltd.



More than 200 million phones, with 150 million more expected on the market, use Symbian technology, seen by some developers as clumsy and dated. At the end of last year, it was surpassed by Android as the world's No 1 smartphone software.

Nokia said the new, faster Symbian software, known as Symbian Anna, will be available for previously released top models, including the N8, E7, C7 and C6-01 devices "in coming months."

In February, Nokia and Microsoft surprised the industry by announcing they were joining forces to challenge major rivals.

Nokia said it will use Microsoft Corp's Windows Phone software as the main platform for its smartphones but will continue to develop and use the new Symbian software.

But they have a tough battle ahead.

The iPhone has set the standard for today's smartphones and Research In Motion Ltd's BlackBerrys have become the favourite of the corporate set.

More recently, Google Inc's Android software has emerged as the choice for phone makers that want to challenge the iPhone.

In trail
A key challenge will be to produce quality devices with a hip factor that helps position Windows Phone as an attractive alternative in a market where image plays a central role.

Nokia E6

Windows Phone 7, launched last year, has a lot of catching up to do both in the number of users and "apps" available for the phones.

Nokia, which claims 1.3 billion daily users of its devices, said it hopes the partnership with Microsoft will lead to capturing the next billion users to join the Internet in developing growth markets.

Last year, the Finnish firm retained its No 1 spot as the world's top mobile phone maker - a position it has held since 1998, selling 432 million devices - more than its three closest rivals combined.

But market share has continued on a downward spiral - from a high of 41% in 2008 to 31% in the last quarter of 2010.

Also, its share in smartphones has plunged - to 30% at the end of 2010 from 40% a year earlier.

And, at the end of last year Nokia and the Symbian platform was surpassed by Android as the world's No 1 smartphone software, according to Canalys research firm.

Nokia, an Espoo-based company, near Helsinki, employs 132,500 people.

Quick review of Nokia X7 and E6

Nokia Corp launched its first smartphones to run on the updated Symbian software with new icons, enhancements and a faster browser.

Nokia X7

It said the two models - the E6 and X7 - have longer battery life, better text input and new Ovi Maps applications with improved search and public transport routes.

The Nokia E6, with a standard Qwerty keypad and high resolution touch display, is aimed at corporate customers, while the Nokia X7 is an entertainment-focused handset with a 4in (10cm) display made for games.

The world's largest cellphone maker did not price the handsets.

Markets seemed unimpressed by the announcement, which comes as Nokia continues to struggle against stiff competition, especially from Apple Inc and Research in Motion Ltd.



More than 200 million phones, with 150 million more expected on the market, use Symbian technology, seen by some developers as clumsy and dated. At the end of last year, it was surpassed by Android as the world's No 1 smartphone software.

Nokia said the new, faster Symbian software, known as Symbian Anna, will be available for previously released top models, including the N8, E7, C7 and C6-01 devices "in coming months."

In February, Nokia and Microsoft surprised the industry by announcing they were joining forces to challenge major rivals.

Nokia said it will use Microsoft Corp's Windows Phone software as the main platform for its smartphones but will continue to develop and use the new Symbian software.

But they have a tough battle ahead.

The iPhone has set the standard for today's smartphones and Research In Motion Ltd's BlackBerrys have become the favourite of the corporate set.

More recently, Google Inc's Android software has emerged as the choice for phone makers that want to challenge the iPhone.

In trail
A key challenge will be to produce quality devices with a hip factor that helps position Windows Phone as an attractive alternative in a market where image plays a central role.

Nokia E6

Windows Phone 7, launched last year, has a lot of catching up to do both in the number of users and "apps" available for the phones.

Nokia, which claims 1.3 billion daily users of its devices, said it hopes the partnership with Microsoft will lead to capturing the next billion users to join the Internet in developing growth markets.

Last year, the Finnish firm retained its No 1 spot as the world's top mobile phone maker - a position it has held since 1998, selling 432 million devices - more than its three closest rivals combined.

But market share has continued on a downward spiral - from a high of 41% in 2008 to 31% in the last quarter of 2010.

Also, its share in smartphones has plunged - to 30% at the end of 2010 from 40% a year earlier.

And, at the end of last year Nokia and the Symbian platform was surpassed by Android as the world's No 1 smartphone software, according to Canalys research firm.

Nokia, an Espoo-based company, near Helsinki, employs 132,500 people.

Quick review of Nokia X7 and E6

Nokia Corp launched its first smartphones to run on the updated Symbian software with new icons, enhancements and a faster browser.

Nokia X7

It said the two models - the E6 and X7 - have longer battery life, better text input and new Ovi Maps applications with improved search and public transport routes.

The Nokia E6, with a standard Qwerty keypad and high resolution touch display, is aimed at corporate customers, while the Nokia X7 is an entertainment-focused handset with a 4in (10cm) display made for games.

The world's largest cellphone maker did not price the handsets.

Markets seemed unimpressed by the announcement, which comes as Nokia continues to struggle against stiff competition, especially from Apple Inc and Research in Motion Ltd.



More than 200 million phones, with 150 million more expected on the market, use Symbian technology, seen by some developers as clumsy and dated. At the end of last year, it was surpassed by Android as the world's No 1 smartphone software.

Nokia said the new, faster Symbian software, known as Symbian Anna, will be available for previously released top models, including the N8, E7, C7 and C6-01 devices "in coming months."

In February, Nokia and Microsoft surprised the industry by announcing they were joining forces to challenge major rivals.

Nokia said it will use Microsoft Corp's Windows Phone software as the main platform for its smartphones but will continue to develop and use the new Symbian software.

But they have a tough battle ahead.

The iPhone has set the standard for today's smartphones and Research In Motion Ltd's BlackBerrys have become the favourite of the corporate set.

More recently, Google Inc's Android software has emerged as the choice for phone makers that want to challenge the iPhone.

In trail
A key challenge will be to produce quality devices with a hip factor that helps position Windows Phone as an attractive alternative in a market where image plays a central role.

Nokia E6

Windows Phone 7, launched last year, has a lot of catching up to do both in the number of users and "apps" available for the phones.

Nokia, which claims 1.3 billion daily users of its devices, said it hopes the partnership with Microsoft will lead to capturing the next billion users to join the Internet in developing growth markets.

Last year, the Finnish firm retained its No 1 spot as the world's top mobile phone maker - a position it has held since 1998, selling 432 million devices - more than its three closest rivals combined.

But market share has continued on a downward spiral - from a high of 41% in 2008 to 31% in the last quarter of 2010.

Also, its share in smartphones has plunged - to 30% at the end of 2010 from 40% a year earlier.

And, at the end of last year Nokia and the Symbian platform was surpassed by Android as the world's No 1 smartphone software, according to Canalys research firm.

Nokia, an Espoo-based company, near Helsinki, employs 132,500 people.

Nokia sues Apple again over patents

HELSINKI: Nokia Corp is suing Apple Inc in the United States for allegedly infringing patents in its mobile phones, portable music players, Tablets and computers.

The complaint, filed with United States International Trade Commission, ITC, is the latest in a string of lawsuits by Nokia of Finland and comes as the world's largest handset maker struggles to keep up with smartphone rivals such as Apple.

Apple and Nokia have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touchscreens and the built-in "app store" for downloading updated programs.

The major phone makers - including Apple, Nokia, Microsoft, Motorola and Taiwan's HTC - are increasingly turning to patent litigation as they jockey for any edge to expand their share of the rapidly growing smartphone market.


Companies such as Nokia are also seeking to protect their business as the popular iPhone encroaches on the rest of the industry.

The lawsuits cover all aspects of basic phone use, from technology used to synchronise e-mail, calendars and contacts, to methods to extend battery life.

Although these legal disputes generally don't stop products from reaching consumers, litigation can be used to extract licensing fees from competitors. It can also help distract rivals and even discourage them from entering a particular market.

Nokia said the seven patents in the new complaint relate to its "pioneering innovations" that Apple allegedly is using "to create key features in its products, including in multitasking operating systems, data synchronisation, positioning, call quality and the use of Bluetooth accessories."

Lawsuits aplenty

Last week, the United States International Trade Commission found no violation in an earlier complaint. Nokia said it "is waiting to see the full details of the ruling before deciding on the next steps in that case."

Last year, Nokia also sued Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands for allegedly infringing its patents with technology used in the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Those followed earlier lawsuits by Nokia claiming that a broad swath of Apple products violate its patents. Apple had earlier responded with its own infringement claims against Nokia.

"Our latest ITC filing means we now have 46 Nokia patents in suit against Apple, many filed more than 10 years before Apple made its first iPhone," said Paul Melin, vice-president of intellectual property at Nokia.

"Nokia is a leading innovator in technologies needed to build great mobile products and Apple must stop building its products using Nokia's proprietary innovation."

The legal disputes come amid increasing competition in the fast-growing smartphone market. Tech companies are scrambling to win over the growing number of consumers buying handsets that come with e-mail, websurfing and scores of apps for checking the weather, updating Facebook and other tasks.

Nokia has been struggling against stiff competition, especially from the iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

Nokia said that during the past two decades it has invested some 43bil euro in research and development to build "one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios," which includes more than 10,000 patent families.

In addition to the two ITC complaints, Nokia said it has filed cases on the same patents and others in Delaware, and has further cases proceeding in Mannheim, Dusseldorf and the Federal Patent Court in Germany, the British High Court in London and the District Court of the Hague in the Netherlands.

Some of these will come to trial in the next few months. - AP

Nokia sues Apple again over patents

HELSINKI: Nokia Corp is suing Apple Inc in the United States for allegedly infringing patents in its mobile phones, portable music players, Tablets and computers.

The complaint, filed with United States International Trade Commission, ITC, is the latest in a string of lawsuits by Nokia of Finland and comes as the world's largest handset maker struggles to keep up with smartphone rivals such as Apple.

Apple and Nokia have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touchscreens and the built-in "app store" for downloading updated programs.

The major phone makers - including Apple, Nokia, Microsoft, Motorola and Taiwan's HTC - are increasingly turning to patent litigation as they jockey for any edge to expand their share of the rapidly growing smartphone market.


Companies such as Nokia are also seeking to protect their business as the popular iPhone encroaches on the rest of the industry.

The lawsuits cover all aspects of basic phone use, from technology used to synchronise e-mail, calendars and contacts, to methods to extend battery life.

Although these legal disputes generally don't stop products from reaching consumers, litigation can be used to extract licensing fees from competitors. It can also help distract rivals and even discourage them from entering a particular market.

Nokia said the seven patents in the new complaint relate to its "pioneering innovations" that Apple allegedly is using "to create key features in its products, including in multitasking operating systems, data synchronisation, positioning, call quality and the use of Bluetooth accessories."

Lawsuits aplenty

Last week, the United States International Trade Commission found no violation in an earlier complaint. Nokia said it "is waiting to see the full details of the ruling before deciding on the next steps in that case."

Last year, Nokia also sued Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands for allegedly infringing its patents with technology used in the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Those followed earlier lawsuits by Nokia claiming that a broad swath of Apple products violate its patents. Apple had earlier responded with its own infringement claims against Nokia.

"Our latest ITC filing means we now have 46 Nokia patents in suit against Apple, many filed more than 10 years before Apple made its first iPhone," said Paul Melin, vice-president of intellectual property at Nokia.

"Nokia is a leading innovator in technologies needed to build great mobile products and Apple must stop building its products using Nokia's proprietary innovation."

The legal disputes come amid increasing competition in the fast-growing smartphone market. Tech companies are scrambling to win over the growing number of consumers buying handsets that come with e-mail, websurfing and scores of apps for checking the weather, updating Facebook and other tasks.

Nokia has been struggling against stiff competition, especially from the iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

Nokia said that during the past two decades it has invested some 43bil euro in research and development to build "one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios," which includes more than 10,000 patent families.

In addition to the two ITC complaints, Nokia said it has filed cases on the same patents and others in Delaware, and has further cases proceeding in Mannheim, Dusseldorf and the Federal Patent Court in Germany, the British High Court in London and the District Court of the Hague in the Netherlands.

Some of these will come to trial in the next few months. - AP

Nokia sues Apple again over patents

HELSINKI: Nokia Corp is suing Apple Inc in the United States for allegedly infringing patents in its mobile phones, portable music players, Tablets and computers.

The complaint, filed with United States International Trade Commission, ITC, is the latest in a string of lawsuits by Nokia of Finland and comes as the world's largest handset maker struggles to keep up with smartphone rivals such as Apple.

Apple and Nokia have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touchscreens and the built-in "app store" for downloading updated programs.

The major phone makers - including Apple, Nokia, Microsoft, Motorola and Taiwan's HTC - are increasingly turning to patent litigation as they jockey for any edge to expand their share of the rapidly growing smartphone market.


Companies such as Nokia are also seeking to protect their business as the popular iPhone encroaches on the rest of the industry.

The lawsuits cover all aspects of basic phone use, from technology used to synchronise e-mail, calendars and contacts, to methods to extend battery life.

Although these legal disputes generally don't stop products from reaching consumers, litigation can be used to extract licensing fees from competitors. It can also help distract rivals and even discourage them from entering a particular market.

Nokia said the seven patents in the new complaint relate to its "pioneering innovations" that Apple allegedly is using "to create key features in its products, including in multitasking operating systems, data synchronisation, positioning, call quality and the use of Bluetooth accessories."

Lawsuits aplenty

Last week, the United States International Trade Commission found no violation in an earlier complaint. Nokia said it "is waiting to see the full details of the ruling before deciding on the next steps in that case."

Last year, Nokia also sued Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands for allegedly infringing its patents with technology used in the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Those followed earlier lawsuits by Nokia claiming that a broad swath of Apple products violate its patents. Apple had earlier responded with its own infringement claims against Nokia.

"Our latest ITC filing means we now have 46 Nokia patents in suit against Apple, many filed more than 10 years before Apple made its first iPhone," said Paul Melin, vice-president of intellectual property at Nokia.

"Nokia is a leading innovator in technologies needed to build great mobile products and Apple must stop building its products using Nokia's proprietary innovation."

The legal disputes come amid increasing competition in the fast-growing smartphone market. Tech companies are scrambling to win over the growing number of consumers buying handsets that come with e-mail, websurfing and scores of apps for checking the weather, updating Facebook and other tasks.

Nokia has been struggling against stiff competition, especially from the iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

Nokia said that during the past two decades it has invested some 43bil euro in research and development to build "one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios," which includes more than 10,000 patent families.

In addition to the two ITC complaints, Nokia said it has filed cases on the same patents and others in Delaware, and has further cases proceeding in Mannheim, Dusseldorf and the Federal Patent Court in Germany, the British High Court in London and the District Court of the Hague in the Netherlands.

Some of these will come to trial in the next few months. - AP