Nokia and Apple have resolved their long-running patent dispute, with the Finland-based vendor now agreeing to provide network infrastructure and services to the iPhone maker.
The legal row dates back to December, when Apple took action against Nokia, accusing the Finnish vendor of working with partners to try and get more money from patents.
Nokia countersued, accusing Apple of infringing its patents covering display, user interface, software, antenna, chipsets, and video coding technology.
This morning’s announcement said the action has been resolved, with a multi-year patent license signed in its place. Nokia will get an up-front cash payment from Apple, plus additional revenues in future.
As well as supplying network infrastructure to Apple, the iPhone maker will sell Nokia’s Withings digital health services in its retail and online stores.
Both companies will collaborate on future digital health products, with regular summits between both companies ensuring the partnership runs smoothly.
Maria Varsellona, Chief Legal Officer at Nokia, responsible for Nokia’s patent licensing business, said: “This is a meaningful agreement between Nokia and Apple. It moves our relationship with Apple from being adversaries in court to business partners working for the benefit of our customers.”
Basil Alwan, President of Nokia’s IP/Optical Networks business, added: “While details of the agreement remain confidential, Nokia will receive an up-front cash payment from Apple, with additional revenues during the term of the agreement.”
Nokia added the results of the agreement will begin to affect its results from the second quarter of its 2017 financial year.
Apple is facing legal action in a long-running row with Qualcomm, which also involves both its iPhone and iPad manufacturers. Qualcomm is complaining that Apple is underplaying the value of its chipsets.