Apple and HTC have thrown their fair share of legal blows against one another in the past, but it appears that the two companies have finally been able to set aside their issues and reach an agreement. Apple announced this evening that it and HTC have come to "a global settlement" that includes the dismissal of all lawsuits between the two of them and a ten-year licensing deal that applies to both current and future patents held by the two firms. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

While Apple and HTC haven't been involved in quite as many battles against each another as Apple and Samsung have, we've certainly seen them go at it quite a bit in the past, so it's good that an agreement between the two has finally reached. And with a 10-year licensing deal now in place, we should be able to look forward to (slightly) fewer patent lawsuits in the news going forward. Hooray! You can find the brief announcement of the settlement along with quotes from Apple CEO Tim Cook and HTC CEO Peter Chou below. 

HTC and Apple Settle Patent Dispute

All Patent Litigation Between the Companies Dismissed

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.”