RIM and Eatoni to develop new mobile keyboard

Research In Motion, the company responsible for the BlackBerry mobile email device has announced it will work jointly with Eatoni Ergonomics to develop new mobile keyboard technologies.

The two companies signed an agreement in which Eatoni, which specialises in designing hardware and software for keyboards, would grant RIM a license to use its technology. RIM, in return, made an equity investment in Eatoni.

The pact stems from a settlement agreement between the two over a lawsuit and a counter-suit related to patent infringement, the companies said.

"The parties met in accordance with the court's mediation process and common goals were identified, which led to the settlement," RIM and Eatoni said in a statement.

The two companies' claims have been mutually dismissed and further details of the pact are being kept confidential.