Apple, Google call truce in smartphone patent war

Apple and Google have declared a ceasefire in their intellectual property wars.

The two Silicon Valley technology giants said they are dropping lawsuits against one another and will work together to reform patent law.

The suits to be dismissed involve patent disputes regarding Google's Motorola Mobility handset unit. The deal does not include Apple's patent battles with Samsung Electronics, which uses Google's Android software for mobile devices.

"This could signal a new strategy on Apple's part to focus its litigation efforts even more squarely on Samsung, which is by far the largest Android phone manufacturer," said Brian Love, a Santa Clara University School of Law professor.

The agreement signals a de-escalation in hostilities between two companies that have filed about 20 lawsuits against each other in the US and Europe and compete fiercely on many technology fronts.

"Apple and Google have agreed to dismiss all the current lawsuits that exist directly between the two companies," they said in a joint statement. "Apple and Google have also agreed to work together in some areas of patent reform. The agreement does not include a cross licence."