Nokia Lobbied on Patent, Visa Reforms

Nokia Rings Up $540,000 in 2007 to Lobby Government on Patent, Immigration Reforms and Trade WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nokia Corp. spent $540,000 in 2007 to lobby on patent and immigration reform legislation among other numerous issues. The the world's largest mobile phone maker spent $430,000 lobbying on its own behalf in the second half of 2007, according to a disclosure form posted online Feb. 13 by the Senate's public records office. The Finnish company also lobbied on data security, intellectual property, tax credits for research and development, recycling programs, and Internet- and trade-related matters. The technology industry, facing increasing global competition, has lobbied intensely for more visas for highly skilled foreign professionals, more funding for U.S. math and science education programs and a permanent extension of tax credits for research and development. Nokia lobbied Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the White House and other agencies. It spent $110,000 in the first six months of 2007 to lobby on largely the same issues. Lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches, under a federal law enacted in 1995.