Nokia and Apple’s Patent Dispute Settled

Two of the world’s largest mobile giants, Nokia and Apple, have finally ended a lengthy legal battle on Tuesday by entering into a patent-license settlement covering all their patent disputes. If one party is to be declared the “winner”, it would likely be Nokia as Apple will be making a one-time payment to Nokia and pay continuing royalties for the term of the agreement. The specific financial terms have not been released.

“We are very pleased to have Apple join the growing number of Nokia licensees,” Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, says in a statement. “This settlement demonstrates Nokia’s industry leading patent portfolio and enables us to focus on further licensing opportunities in the mobile communications market.”

Nokia first sued Apple in October of 2009, alleging violation of ten patents. As with most patent battles involving well-moneyed companies, Apple counter-sued in December of 2009. Nokia upped their position by adding fourteen more patent claims to their suit against Apple in January 2010.

However, especially given last week’s USSC ruling to maintain the “clear and convincing evidence” standard by which courts measure patents’ validity, which if it had gone the other way it would have benefited Apple’s case here, Nokia had a stronger claim and finished ahead.