This is more like it. Apple and HTC have kissed and made up, and put behind them all the lawsuits they've been slapping each other with.
Not only that, they've announced a deal that will let them license patents off each other for the next 10 years, so we shouldn't see any more court cases between them for a while. Way to go, guys. Now how about Apple and Samsung try something similar?
Apple and HTC have been ploughing through a series of patent disputes over the last two years, since about the same time Apple's legal wrangles started with Samsung -- but now that's all behind them. Over the next ten years, Apple and HTC will enjoy a joint licensing agreement for all current and future patents. Financial terms of the deal will stay confidential.
The two companies punted out a joint -- if brief -- statement on the matter. "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.
Apple's CEO Tim Cook added: "We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC. We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation."
Apple filed a complaint against HTC in March 2010, accusing it of violating ten of its patents. HTC accused Apple of patent infringement two months later. Apple seemed to be winning, with HTC being found guilty of infringing two of its patents in 2011, and then one for 'data tapping' later that year. The feature was removed from all HTC handsets. Apple's attempt at banning HTC's mobiles from the US was less successful though.
It's good to see companies getting on for once, and it's especially satisfying to see Apple playing nice, considering how it's been lambasted by judges in the past for its dealings with Samsung.
Whether Apple will ever be able to get along with Samsung is a different matter. What do you think? Could this be the start of a friendlier Apple? Let me know in the comments below, or over on Facebook.
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CaptainPicard 11 November, 2012 23:04
With the way HTC is going, I doubt its gonna be around in ten years time, and Apple knows this. The One X (my phone) is the perfect, but people who bought it in April, the early adopters, had so many problems with their One X, it was essentially an unfinished phone. Plus, HTC's ads are awful, S3 and its rivals adverts show their phones being used in real life situations, whereas HTC's ads showed a man jumping off a plane, not even the edge of space! I hope HTC improve for 2013 and release a finished flagship phone with good adverts, and priced below £350-The LG Nexus 4 murders every phone out there.
Matthew Paul Hutchinson 12 November, 2012 09:35
I can see one thing here... HTC cuddles up to Apple to take on Samsung. Ruthless move Apple.
I was a HTC fan, but after the Desire HD, HTC's One X disapointed me. The two main things I want are a removable battery and a removable memory card, both of which HTC took away from the One X. Thus my move to Samsung and the S3.
I can see a good move here. For once it's companies working together, although Apple use the heavy hand of patienting everything including the kitchen sink and therefore it is Apple who use the patienting system wrongly to get its way.
I can also see that with a companie like HTC, much smaller than Apple and Samsung, they cannot afford to fight lengthy court battles. 1Billion dollors is a lot of money for a companie that has less than 10% of the market. So it is easier to roll over and play tickle my tummy rather than go at it like two Rottweilers.
In my mind the same is doubtful to happen with Samsung and Apple. But who knows. I'm just fed up of the patient wars now, it's damaged my opinion on Apple thats for sure and I'd never go near them now. Morally I couldn't bare too. Grow up all of you!
anonymous 12 November, 2012 09:49
So they will be able to copy each other legally....while both focusing on innovation. Right.
anonymous 12 November, 2012 20:09
What i dont understand is why cnet.co.uk or cnet.com hasn't said anything about Apples lose in an american patent trail. Apple was found to be infringing on someone elses patents and a judge ordered Apple to pay $368000 in damages. Apple said it wasn't infringing because the patents only played a small part in the system............