Samsung and Apple have been going at it for quite some time now, making some pretty interesting legal claims that the other is stealing their technology, but rumor has it they might settle out of court. After Apple just settled a deal with Nokia to pay them for their technology being used in their iPhones, they might now be looking at another settlement with one of their business partners.
Samsung is one of Apple’s biggest parts suppliers, with over $5.7 billion-worth of products going to Apple, so a settlement might be best for both parties. Apple’s attorney recently suggested that executives “at the highest levels” on both sides are talking to settle this out of court. The attorney said this on Friday, but when asked to give more details, did not elaborate.
This comes after both smartphone manufacturers requested to see each others upcoming device. They requested this with the claim that they want to make sure each other isn’t just coping their design and that they already have something designed and aren’t playing a wait and see game. Apple’s request was granted by the court, while Samsung’s request is still in the air.
Since the judge hasn’t made a ruling just yet, an out of court settlement is still a possibility. It’ll be interesting to see who pays who if a settlement is reached, or will they just come to a middle point and find a way to make both executives happy.
Who here thinks these lawsuits between partnering companies are pointless since they need each other? How do you think this lawsuit should be handled?
[via Reuters]