In what seems like an ongoing case that has lasted forever, Apple and Google have finally decided to put a truce between the two companies. According to a joint statement issued last May 16, both companies have decided to drop ongoing lawsuits and instead, work together with the goal of patent reform.
The agreement states that the two companies have already decided to dismiss all pending and ongoing cases filed between both. As such, they have appeared before a federal appeals court in Washington to enter numerous filings regarding their mutual decision.
The conflict between both companies dates back to 2010, when Motorola first sued Apple over the alleged infringement of their smartphone technology patent. In response to this, Apple filed a countersuit; which later on led to a series of ancillary cases throughout the US and Europe. After purchasing Motorola Mobility in 2012, Google inherited this ongoing dispute against Apple.
According to the agreement between the two companies, there will be no cross-licensing involved. Despite the massive competition between iOS and Android operating systems, the lack of a cross-licensing agreement between the two is considered as a huge surprise. As to why the agreement was made, there is an unclear reason for the truce. However, it is good to know that both parties have come to a peaceful agreement that best works for each company.
Source: AppleInsider
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