HTC and Apple both mobile phone makers have decided to sign a licensing agreement with duration of 10 years to end their patent disputes.
The companies have been involved in the patents disputes since 2010 recording some successes and failures on both sides.
Though confidential, the terms of the settlement covers current and future patents held by both firms.
HTC CEO Peter Chou said “HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation,”. While Apple CEO Tim Cook added “We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC.” “We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation.”
Looking the successes and failures; Apple tried to get HTC devices banned in the UK, and failed, and as recently as this September HTC was pushing to block the Iphone and Ipad in the US.
Apple had argued that HTC was using four of its patented technologies, including one relating to the slide to unlock feature.
It encountered some legal difficulties there. In July UK Judge Christopher Lloyd ruled that HTC smartphones don’t infringe the four patents, and added that three of them, including the unlocking technique are invalid.
Apple also accused HTC of buying patents, including one relating to LTE high speed connectivity, just so it could use them in court against it. In July last year, the US International Trade Commission gave an early indication that it would not support HTC’s claims.
As the two-year patent battles come to an apparently amicable end, the only winners in that conflict are the lawyers.
