"Does Apple’s HTC Agreement Indicate A Softening Of Its Approach To Patent Litigation?"

This is probably old news to you. 

Press release from Apple:

HTC and Apple have reached a global settlement that includes the dismissal of all current lawsuits and a ten-year license agreement. The license extends to current and future patents held by both parties. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

“HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC.

“We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC,” said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. “We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation.”

http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/10/apple-and-htc-settle-remaining-lawsuits/

Do you think Samsung will be interested in such HTC-style settlements? Samsung has obviously rejected licensing deals offered by Apple multiple times, including those for iPhone and iPad-related patents at around $30 - $40 per phone and tablet a few years back. Although executives from both companies have made effort in trying to come up with  an arrangement that benefit both, little progress is seen.