Creative Technology, Ltd. and Apple Announce Broad Settlement Ending Legal Disputes Between the Companies
PALO ALTO, CA (August 24, 2006) — McDermott Will & Emery, premier international law firm, announces that its client, Creative Technology, Ltd., and Apple announced a broad settlement ending all legal disputes between the two companies. Apple will pay Creative $100 million for a paid-up license to use Creative's recently awarded Zen patent in all Apple products. Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, said, "Creative is very fortunate to have been granted this early patent." In addition, the companies announced that Creative has joined Apple's "Made for iPod" program and will be announcing their own iPod accessory products later this year.
McDermott's team was led by Silicon Valley partner Terry McMahon.
(Read further details regarding the settlement in the joint press release of the two companies)
Creative (NASDQ: CREAF) is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for PC users. Famous for its Sound Blaster sound cards and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed ZENTM MP3 players. Creative's innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment -- anytime, anywhere.
McDermott's Intellectual Property, Media & Technology Department currently numbers more than 190 lawyers and patent agents. Our lawyers engage in various aspects of IP work, including advertising and marketing, computer and internet law, copyrights, legislation, litigation, patents, trade dress, trademarks, trade secrets, unfair competition and antitrust. McDermott is renowned for its intellectual property litigation and appellate experience. IP Law & Business’ annual survey of law firms that filed the most cases ranks McDermott as one of the Top 10 most active IP litigation firms in the United States. Our lawyers are exceptionally experienced in managing and conducting complex intellectual property litigation including appeals and infringements concerning patents, trademarks and copyrights.
McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Numbering more than 1000 lawyers, we have offices in Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Düsseldorf, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Munich, New York, Orange County, Rome, San Diego, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C.
