Apple and Google have agreed to disagree and have dropped their patent lawsuits against each other.
News has been abuzz over the internet as both Apple and Google have decided to collaborate on a patent reform.
“Apple and Google have agreed to dismiss all the current lawsuits that exist directly between the two companies,” said a statement.
“Apple and Google have also agreed to work together in some areas of patent reform. The agreement does not include a cross license.”
While many have speculated on the reasons behind the tech giants decision to withdraw the lawsuits, it seems that the recent trial against Apple and Samsung could have played a huge part.
Apple attempted to sue Samsung to the tune of $2 billion for breaching their patents. Although Samsung was found guilty, Apple was not awarded anywhere close to the money they were looking for making all the time and effort they put into the trial seem not worth it.
Analyst, Van Baker states that the move by the two tech giants is a long overdue.
“It’s about time,” stated Baker. “Reaching an agreement on this stuff versus fighting it out in the courts is a much more rational approach.”
Neil Smith, a former judge at the Silicon Valley branch of the US Patent and Trademark Office has also commented on the move by the two companies stating that it could revolutionize the way patent disputes are handles forever.
“The settlement between Apple and Google is likely to build momentum toward settling all the remaining smartphone related disputes,” Smith concluded.