Research in Motion and Eatoni Ergonomics have agreed to work jointly on the next generation of predictive text technology in ambiguous keyboards.

As part of their new relationship, Eatoni has granted RIM a license in its United States Patent No. 6,885,317 (the "'317 Patent"), titled "Touch-typable Devices Based on Ambiguous Codes and Methods to Design Such Devices", and RIM has made an equity investment in Eatoni.

The new working relationship between RIM and Eatoni stems from a settlement agreement relating to a declaratory judgment action filed by RIM against Eatoni that sought a judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of the '317 Patent and a countersuit filed by Eatoni against RIM that claimed infringement. The parties met in accordance with the court's mediation process and common goals were identified, which led to the settlement.

In accordance with the new relationship, the claims brought by RIM and Eatoni have been mutually dismissed with prejudice. The parties have agreed to keep further details of the settlement confidential.