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Caltech Settles $1.1 Billion Legal Battle with Apple and Broadcom

 |  November 26, 2023

In a legal saga that has spanned over seven years, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has emerged victorious in its battle against tech giants Apple Inc. and Broadcom. The dispute, centered around patents for data transmission systems, has been a fixture in California’s federal courts since 2016, with a staggering $1.1 billion at stake.

The resolution came as U.S. District Judge George H. Wu officially approved a mutual agreement of dismissal, putting an end to the protracted legal skirmish. This decision marks the conclusion of numerous claims and counterclaims that have been exchanged between Caltech, Apple, and Broadcom over the years. Notably, each party involved will bear its own legal expenses, underscoring the autonomy of the decision.

Read more: Apple Battles Subpoenas In US Court Against Qualcomm

The settlement, shrouded in secrecy, introduces an intriguing clause that adds a unique dimension to the resolution. While details of the settlement remain undisclosed, it is known that Apple has been granted a defensive stronghold. This defensive position empowers Apple to retaliate vigorously should Caltech or any other entity attempt to challenge the same patents in the future. This stipulation hints at a cautious truce rather than a warm reconciliation between the parties involved.

As the curtain falls on this modern-day David and Goliath tale, the tech world awaits with anticipation to see how this settlement will influence future patent disputes and the dynamics between academic institutions and tech giants.

Source: USA Gerald