Samsung, Apple reportedly in talks to settle patent war

Samsung Electronics is reportedly in negotiations with Apple for a cross-licensing deal to end their patent dispute.

The Korea Times reported on Monday, citing industry sources familiar with the matter, Samsung is trying to iron out differences over key issues ahead of a new trial in the U.S. federal circuit slated for November. 

One of the sources said talks had begun since late last year, and has "come down to the issue of fees for Apple".

The Cupertino-based company reportedly holds the key to whether both companies will reach a compromise or continue to fight as Apple's request to the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) for a stay of remedial orders such as an import ban or cease and desist was rejected.

"Both companies are now finding better conditions to bring the settlement talks on their sides. That’s why they are paying keen attention to two upcoming separate decisions by the USITC," one of the sources, said in the report.

The USITC in June had banned Apple from importing some of its devices including iPad 2 and iPhone 4 because it infringed some of Samsung's patents. The final decision will be announced on August 1, 2013 after a 60-day review, on whether Samsung infringed on Apple's patents.

Apple had taken Samsung to court in 2011, alleging Samsung infringed patents of its iPhones and iPads, and the jury's verdict was that Samsung should pay US$1 billion. Other than the U.S., both companies have also been engaged in patent wars in Germany, France, Japan and Italy.

Just earlier this month, Samsung entered another cross-licensing deal with SK Hynix for the next five years, to have full access to each other's memory chip patents.