Apple and HTC settle disputes with 10-year licensing agreement

Apple and HTC settle disputes with 10-year licensing agreement
No more litigation between Apple and HTC

HTC and Apple have resolved to shake hands on their global legal disputes and agree to a wide-ranging patent licensing deal.

In a surprise announcement, the warring smartphone giants issued a join press release confirming that all current lawsuits would be dropped under the ten year accord.

New dawn rising?

The announcement comes just a couple of months after HTC said no settlement with Apple was in sight.

The end of legal proceedings between Apple and HTC could herald a new dawn of co-operation between tech companies when it comes to intellectual property.

The headlines in 2012 has been largely dominated by the bloody patent wars, so an end to the courtroom drama would surely be welcomed by everyone. Except the lawyers, obviously.

The terms of the settlement will remain private but a HTC representative told The Verge that he doesn't expect the deal to negatively affect the company's bottom line.

Via The Verge, Apple

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.