Apple and Taiwanese phonemaker HTC have settled all their outstanding disputes over patents, ending a fight that began in March 2010.

The two firms also signed a 10-year licence agreement that will extend to current and future patents held by one another.

HTC and Apple were fighting more than 20 cases in the world, according to the AFP news agency.

Apple won an order almost a year ago from the US International Trade Commission, which issued a “limited exclusion order” directing that HTC stop bringing offending smartphones into the US from April.

Apple are currently embroiled in a patent battle with Samsung, both parties  have filed legal cases against each other in more than 10 countries, each accusing the other of violating its patents.

Considering a career as a patent attorney? Check out the Graduate Patent Careers page for more information and the latest graduate jobs.