Apple, Google in secret patent settlement talks?

Behind the scenes, Google and Apple CEOs Larry Page and Tim Cook have been in talks over the two companies' patent disputes, according to reports.

The two chief executives are reported to have spoken about a wide range of intellectual property issues. Patent use and infringement is likely to be high on the agenda, against Apple's recent victory over Samsung, who uses Google's Android OS in their mobile devices.

First reported by Reuters, sister site CNET later confirmed that at least one conversation has occurred between the two chief executives. Cook and Page talked before a verdict was reached in the high-profile Apple v. Samsung case, and according to sources, will talk again in a few weeks -- although no firm date has been set.

Reuters also reports that ongoing discussions are taking place between lower-level officials of both firms.

A jury awarded Apple $1.05 billion in damages last week, and there is the possible of sales bans on particular Samsung products -- but in the same breath, a Japanese court found Apple guilty of infringing several Samsung patents. Google, however, distanced itself from Samsung's defeat; immediately declaring that most of the disputed patents "don't relate to the core Android operating system."

Competition is increasing the stakes between the two rival firms as the 'PC era' dwindles and mobile devices take the helm. Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs believed Google's Android OS was a "stolen product" which has become embroiled in a number of patent disputes across the globe, but it has become Apple's iOS rival and remains installed on hardware from vendors including Samsung.

Tim Cook has been CEO of Apple for roughly a year, whereas Larry Page stepped in at Google a scant few months beforehand, taking over from Eric Schmidt.