The patents shared between Apple and HTC in their global legal settlement can be revealed to the public, according to a late Monday ruling from US District Court Judge Lucy Koh, as reported by "MacNN" (http://macte.ch/uQHPz).

"This Court has repeatedly explained that only the pricing and royalty terms of license agreements may be sealed," the ruling states. "There are compelling reasons to seal pricing and royalty terms, as they may place the parties to the agreement at a disadvantage in future negotiations, but there is nothing in the remainder of the agreement that presents a sufficient risk of competitive harm to justify keeping it from the public."

On Nov. 12, it was announced that Apple and HTC 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.