Samsung and Apple call it a day, privately settle years-long patent dispute

For the better part of the last decade, Samsung and Apple have been battling it out in courts around the world over alleged patent infractions. Today, via Reuters, it looks like the battle is finally over as Samsung and Apple have privately settled.

The terms of the settlement weren’t disclosed.

The patent disputes began with allegations that Samsung lifted multiple hardware and software design elements from Apple’s line of iPhones for its line of Galaxy devices. Everything from the icon representing the dialer to the home button on the original Samsung Galaxy S were brought up as evidence.

Samsung counter-sued Apple, alleging that the latter company infringed Samsung patents.

Since 2011, there’s been a volley going back-and-forth between the two smartphone giants with a win here and a lose there for each of them. Most recently, Samsung was ordered to pay Apple $539 million. Perhaps both companies felt it was time to end the charade and stop bleeding money in legal fees fighting what would likely be an endless battle.

This is a developing story, and we will update it if and when more information on the settlement comes to light, or if Apple or Samsung release a statement on the matter.

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