Representatives of Apple and Samsung have been ordered to convene in order to attempt to settle two patent disputes through mediation instead of going to trial. The two companies have agreed to send their CEOs, who “are the appropriate decision-makers” for each.
There is no guarantee that the talks will lead to any resolution, but the district judge has ordered both companies to comment on their willingness to settle the dispute in the run-up to meeting in June. Google and Oracle recently attempted to resolve their issues over Java the same way, but couldn’t find equal ground on a settlement and have gone to trial.
Nevertheless, the willingness for each company to sit down and have a civilized conversation over patents is a new approach for the frenemy competitors, who do an estimated $8 billion in business every year.
Source: FOSS Patents
Via: Engadget
