Apple, HTC settle; reach a ten-year patent license agreement

Apple and HTC have announced that they have reached a global agreement that includes dropping all the on-going patent lawsuits against each other and signing a ten-year patent licensing agreement. This agreement includes all the existing and future patents by the both firms.

Other details of the agreement were not disclosed by the companies, but HTC did reveal that it is valid for its entire product line-up including Windows Phone devices.

This means, we won’t be hearing any more news of patents suits between Apple and HTC for at-least next ten years.

Here is full joint-statement released by the companies:

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.”

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