Kodak, Samsung to settle camera patent fight
updated 12:55 pm EST, Wed December 23, 2009
Samsung, Kodak begin negotiatons over camera tech
Kodak on Wednesday announced it has agreed to negotiate a settlement along with a cross license on digital camera technology with Samsung. The issue dates back to 2008, when Kodak sued both Samsung and LG over patent infringements as they relate to its digital camera technology. Now, Samsung has agreed to pay an unspecified amount to Kodak that will go towards future royalty obligations.
Once a definitive settlement agreement and a cross license agreement is finalized, Kodak will dismiss its lawsuit and complaints filed with the US International Trade Commission (ITC). Apart from the non-refundable, one-time payment from Samsung, all of the proceedings are dependent on the issuing of a termination order by the ITC.
An ITC judge on December 17th issued an initial decision that ruled Kodak's complaints were valid and Samsung had infringed its patents. Kodak sought an infringement of Samsung importing devices that infringe on these patents, including some cellphones and handheld devices with built-in cameras.
