Steve Jobs was once quoted as saying he’d go to “thermonuclear war” against patent-infringing Android phone makers. Now that Jobs is gone, however, Apple appears to be ready to negotiate with Motorola and Samsung.
According to a report from Dow Jones, Apple is willing to settle its lawsuits in exchange for licence royalties on its patents. It is requesting between 1 and 2.5 per cent of the net handset price — roughly $US5 to $US15 per unit — roughly what Microsoft is compensated by Android OES manufacturers.
Despite it likely causing Jobs to spin in his grave, Apple’s move is a prudent one. Both Motorola and Samsung are primed for a prolonged legal siege. And, given that Apple has more money than both companies without much need for the added revenue, it makes more sense to settle than risk having the court review and invalidate a patent based on its merits, which would weaken the Cupertino company in future litigation. Though if that’s true, and Apple is suing with shaky patents, maybe the courts should take a look regardless. [Dow Jones via The Verge]