Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC and US technology giant Apple have reached a global settlement that includes the dismissal of all current lawsuits and a 10-year license agreement.

The license extends to current and future patents held by both parties, but the terms of the settlement are confidential.

HTC CEO Peter Chou said the resolution of its dispute with Apple will enable the company to focus on innovation instead of litigation.

“This is definitely a positive element to HTC, especially when it is being knocked by poor sales,” Mars Hsu of Grand Cathay Securities said.

“Unlike the lawsuits between Apple and Samsung focusing on the alleged infringement of iPhone outlook, the suits with HTC are more related to alleged technology infringements,” he said.

HTC and Apple were in patent battle in more than 20 cases worldwide, says an HTC official.

GB