Remember the patent battle between Nokia and Apple and Nokia went crying to the US International Trade Commission asking for them to investigate Apple? Well it looks like the battle is about to get bitter.

According to an article over on pcworld, the ITC has decided there is a case to grant Nokia’s request and is now investigating Apple over the alleged infringement of seven Nokia patents in virtually all Apple phones, which basically means the iPhone.

In a counter move against Nokia, Apple retaliated by lodging their own complaint with the US International Trade Commission, although at this time it appears that the ITC hasn’t yet granted Apple’s request.

The word is there is a timescale of 45 days for the ITC to bring the investigation to completion and once completed, 6 ITC law judges will make an initial decision on the case which will then be subject to a full commission review.