Digital Home Thoughts: Apple, Creative are 'Open to Settlement' of Suits

"Apple Computer Inc. and Creative Technology Ltd. said in court papers they "remain open to the possibility'' of ending their litigation battles over handheld music players. Apple, whose iPod music player controls about 77 percent of the U.S. market for such devices, and Singapore-based Creative are suing each other in California, Texas and Wisconsin. The International Trade Commission also is investigating complaints each has made accusing the other of infringing patents related to the devices. Shares of Creative have risen 17 percent over the past five days on optimism the lawsuits may be settled. In a July 3 joint court filing in Madison, Wisconsin, the companies said they were in negotiations involving the licensing of Creative's patent to Apple before the suit was filed and were "open'' to reaching an agreement. "The parties will remain open to the possibility of settlement,'' they wrote in the joint report to the judge. "No specific settlement discussions are planned.''"

Well, it sounds like Apple and Creative are sending out little feelers to see if the other party would be open to settlement. Creative says they've always been interested in settling. Apple of course didn't comment. What might this mean? Well, maybe nothing if they can't come to an agreement before court decisions are reached, but if they can get it together, it can only be a good thing to not have these guys fighting anymore. I think it would be fitting irony if Apple had to start paying Creative for licensing fees, don't you?