Apple willing to reach licensing deals with Samsung, Motorola to the tune of $15 per handset
Under Steve Jobs, Apple’s legal approach to potential patent infringement by Android manufacturers was to sue them out of business. While dozens of these lawsuits still linger in courts around the world sources are claiming that the Cupertino tech giant may be softening to the idea of reaching licensing agreements with major Android partners. Reports now indicate that Apple has offered settlements to both Samsung and Motorola to cease further legal action in exchange for a cut of hardware sales. Apple is said to be asking for between $5 and $15 on each handset sold.
Jobs was famously quoted by biographer Walter Isaacson as saying, “I’m going to destroy Android, because it’s a stolen product. I’m willing to go thermonuclear war on this.” We much prefer the licensing deal approach, as it allows Android to continue to operate and cuts back on the numerous lawsuits we report on each day. Of course, it’s up to the Android makers to decide if they want to accept Apple’s offer or continue to fight their battles in court.
[via BGR]