Amazon settles Kindle Fire lawsuit over touchscreen patents
updated 05:20 pm EST, Thu January 5, 2012
Terms of settlement unknown
Amazon has reportedly settled a patent infringement lawsuit that had focused on touchscreen technology used in the Kindle Fire. Court documents suggest the retailer and the plaintiff, Smartphone Technologies, have resolved the dispute and moved to have the lawsuit dismissed, though the terms of the deal remain unclear.
The Texas-based patent holder, which is a subsidiary of Acacia Research Group, last year filed separate lawsuits against RIM, Apple and several other smartphone makers. The patents involved in the Kindle Fire suit relate to calendar management and methods for tapping icons on a touchscreen.
Apple and RIM are said to be continuing the legal battle in court, however it remains unclear if Amazon's move will encourage the other defendants to settle and establish licensing agreements. [via paidContent]






