Skip to main content

Apple settles patent dispute with Nokia, Withings products returning to Apple Store

Apple and Nokia today announced that they have agreed a settlement to a patent lawsuit that began in December. The companies said they have moved from adversaries to business partners, settling all litigation.

Nokia will provide network infrastructure services to Apple, Apple will stock Nokia’s Withings products once again in Apple Stores and pay ongoing license fees to use Nokia’s intellectual property.

The original lawsuit allegedly covered many elements of smartphone handset design and functionality, with Nokia’s patent portfolio spanning display technology, antennas, chipset, user interface and more.

Apple posted a statement from Apple COO Jeff Williams in a press release on its Newsroom. Williams said Apple wants to expand its relationship with Nokia in the future.

“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.
Although details about the agreement are confidential, the release says that the two companies will meet regularly to review their business relationship to “the benefit of both parties”.
Apple will again stock Nokia’s digital health products in retail stores and the Apple Online Store, currently sold under the brand ‘Withings’ although this will change later this year. The release also hints at future collaboration between Apple and Nokia in ‘digital health initiatives’.
Nokia stock is up significantly today, rising 6.70% at time of writing, from this news with investors likely encouraged by the cash settlement.
The company  says it will receive an upfront payment from Apple in addition to ongoing license fees. It will inform investors about the state of its business in light of the agreement at its next quarterly earnings results.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.