Caltech's seven-year legal battle with Apple and Broadcom over alleged use of its Wi-Fi patents is now settled. Caltech said in a court document filed in August 2023 that a "potential settlement has been reached" and the case is expected to be resolved. The document did not provide further details but said previously scheduled status discussions would continue on August 24, 2023.
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It is also reported that the three companies should submit a new joint situation report by August 18, 2023. It is unclear whether the trial will proceed as scheduled, but according to Reuters, Caltech has now formally submitted a "request to withdraw the lawsuit."
The company wishes to "herein request and stipulate that all claims and counterclaims ... shall be dismissed without prejudice to the litigation," the full but brief court filing said. The document specifically mentions the dispute with Broadcom, but then adds a line about Apple.
"Furthermore, Caltech implores Apple to dismiss all counterclaims and bear its respective costs and attorneys' fees," Caltech continued. "Broadcom has no objection to this request."
Dismissing a lawsuit if it "affects substantive rights" means that the case cannot be re-litigated.
The case began in 2016, when Caltech accused Apple and Broadcom of infringing four of its Wi-Fi patents. In 2020, Caltech won the lawsuit and Apple was ordered to pay US$838 million in patent infringement damages, while Broadcom was ordered to pay US$270 million.
Of course, Apple and Broadcom appealed and were granted a rehearing in 2022. However, it is worth noting that the retrial only involves the amount of compensation payable by the two companies, and there is no issue of overturning the infringement judgment.
None of the companies involved have publicly commented on the settlement.