Vonage pays Sprint $80m to end patent spat

Vonage has settled its pending patent dispute with Sprint Communications.

The parties have entered into an "agreement" to resolve the dispute as well as to develop a business relationship.

Under the terms of the agreement Vonage has entered into a licensing arrangement under Sprint's Voice over Packet patent portfolio.

The deal will see Vonage pay $80m to Sprint, including $35m for past use of licence, $40m for a fully paid future licence, and $5m in prepayment for services.

A Kansas jury handed down a verdict on 25 September 2007 finding that Vonage had infringed six Sprint patents.

"We are pleased to resolve our dispute with Sprint and enter into a productive future relationship," said Sharon O'Leary, general counsel for Vonage.