Apple to pay Nokia in patent settlement

Nokia Corp. has settled a long drawnout patent dispute with Apple Inc., putting an end to "all patent litigation" between the two companies, the Espoo, Finland-based handset maker said Tuesday.

Under the deal, Nokia said Apple will pay it ongoing royalties as well as a one-time sum, adding that the deal "will result in settlement of all patent litigation between the companies, including the withdrawal by Nokia and Apple of their respective complaints to the U.S. International Trade Commission."

The companies have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touch screens and the built-in "app store" for downloading updated programs.

Nokia filed its first patent claim against the U.S. company in 2009 after which Apple countered by launching its own infringement claims.

"We are very pleased to have Apple join the growing number of Nokia licensees," said Nokia CEO Stephen Elop. "This settlement demonstrates Nokia's industry leading patent portfolio and enables us to focus on further licensing opportunities in the mobile communications market."

The financial details were not disclosed but Nokia said the settlement will have a positive impact on its second quarter result.

Nokia shares were up 3 per cent at C4.42 ($6.03) in Helsinki.