InterDigital, Samsung settle 3G patent dispute

InterDigital and Samsung settled two long-standing patent-infringement lawsuits just as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) was about to make a decision on whether to recommend banning imports of Samsung phones containing 3G phones.

The patents pertained to 3G technology used in Samsung's Balckjack II and Instinct smartphones. According to the Wall Street Journal, InterDigital has garnered some $1.5 billion from wireless patents. Apple and Research in Motion license its technology but Samsung was a hold out until the settlement along with Nokia. InterDigital has a lawsuit pending against Nokia. A judge is set to hear the case in May 2009 and rule in August, with an ITC ruling due by the middle of December.

For more:
- read the WSJ [1] (sub. req.)

Related articles:
InterDigital signs iPhone patent deal [2]with Apple
InterDigital wins patent dispute against Samsung [3]