Apple and HTC announced a patent licensing agreement a day before that includes settlement of all current lawsuits between the two companies. Both these companies have confirmed that they’ve settled their patent disputes and have entered a 10-year licensing deal to avoid more legal conflicts in future.
The legal dispute between the two companies began in March 2010, when Apple filed a complaint against HTC with the U.S. International Trade Commission, saying that they violated 10 of its patents. However, the administrative judge with the Trades Commission found only two violations in June 2011. Now the CEOs of both companies have reached an agreement and are ready to continue their work to bring out more innovation.
Press Release
All Patent Litigation Between the Companies Dismissed
TAIPEI, Taiwan and CUPERTINO, California—November 10, 2012—HTC and Apple® have reached a global settlement that includes the dismissal of all current lawsuits and a ten-year license agreement. The license extends to current and future patents held by both parties. The terms of the settlement are confidential.“HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC.
“We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC,” said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. “We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation.”
