Apple, HTC Settle Mobile Device Patent Lawsuits

Apple and HTC have struck an agreement that will bring an end to their patent infringement lawsuits. As part of the settlement, the two companies have agreed to cross-license current and future patents for ten years.

Apple and HTC settle their mobile device patent fightApple and HTC settle their mobile device patent fight

The two companies have been locked in a legal battle over cross accusations of patent infringement. Apple claimed HTC's Android-based smartphones infringed on its data detection patents, and even won an injunction blocking the sale of some HTC devices in the U.S. for infringing on data transmission patents and patents covering interacting with computer data.

The settlement covers cross patent licensing between the companies around the world, which should bring an end to their litigation headaches.

"We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation."

HTC CEO Peter Chou shared similar sentiments saying, "HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation."

Only a couple months ago HTC seemed set on seeing its legal fight through with Apple to the bitter end. After a U.S. Federal Court handed Apple a big win in its patent fight with Samsung HTC chairwoman Cher Wang said her company wouldn't settle with Apple, adding "Samsung's defeat does not mean that Google Inc's Android camp is defeated."

HTC's executive team has clearly had a change of heart since the company ultimately did reach a settlement agreement with Apple. The terms of the settlement are confidential, according to Apple.