Apple and Nokia on Tuesday announced they have reached a settlement in their five-month legal battle over patent licensing practices. The firms say they have agreed to a multi-year deal giving Apple access to Nokia’s intellectual property.
Under a business collaboration agreement, Nokia will be providing certain network infrastructure product and services to Apple. Apple will resume carrying Nokia digital health products (formerly under the Withings brand) in Apple retail and online stores, and Apple and Nokia are exploring future collaboration in digital health initiatives. Regular summits between top Nokia and Apple executives will ensure that the relationship works effectively and to the benefit of both parties and their customers.
“We are pleased with this resolution of our dispute and we look forward to expanding our business relationship with Nokia,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.
“This agreement will strengthen our collaboration,” said Basil Alwan, President of Nokia’s IP/Optical Networks business. “We look forward to supporting Apple.”
Details of the agreement are being kept confidential. The settlement also includes an agreement that will see Nokia supplying Apple with network infrastructure products and services.
In return, Apple will begin carrying connected health devices formerly sold under the Withings brand. Those items were removed from Apple Stores as a result of the patent battle in December.
Apple kicked off the legal battle back in December when it filed a lawsuit against Nokia and nine patent holding firms. The Cupertino firm claimed the parties were working together to “extract and extort exorbitant revenues” from Apple and other manufacturers. During the battle, Apple withheld royalties from Nokia on Intellectual properties used in its products, such as the iPhone.
