Apple, Creative Tech Settle Patent Dispute

While the iPod has gone on to dominate the digital music-player market, Creative's market share and sales have languished.

The settlement ends all outstanding legal disputes between the companies, including five separate lawsuits, the companies said in a statement. It also resolves the trade complaint, said Apple spokesman Steve Dowling. What's more, as part of the settlement, Creative will join the constellation of companies that make iPod-related accessories.

The company plans to offer external speakers, headphones and other products for the iPod beginning later this year.

Despite the move to support the iPod, Creative plans to continue to make its own competing line of Zen digital music players, said company spokesman Phil O'Shaughnessy. That will place the company in the unique position of supporting the iPod while competing directly against it.

However, Creative doesn't see a conflict in the two roles, said O'Shaughnessy. The company's accessory products so far are largely compatible with both the company's own Zen line and Apple's iPods, he said.

"We see [the deal] as an opportunity to further implement our products," he said.

Although Apple will be out $100 million for the license, the company may be getting some of that back. As part of the deal, Creative agreed to return some of that money to Apple if it is successful licensing its patent to other companies.