HTC and Apple settle two year patent dispute

HTC and Apple agree new 10 year deal on future patents after two year dispute finally concludes

HTC and Apple have settled a two year patent dispute and made a ten-year deal regarding current and future patents.

The global settlement means all current lawsuits – understood to have been about 20 between HTC and Apple – are dismissed.

The dispute began in March 2010 when Apple filed a suit against HTC for patent infringement. HTC counter-sued in May.

The ten-year licence agreement, a statement from Apple says, “extends to current and future patents held by both parties.” The terms of the settlement are confidential.

HTC CEO Peter Chou said: “HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook said: “We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC.

“We will continue to stay focused on product innovation.”