Article by dutter:

A SEC Regulation FD filing by the online retailer discloses its settlement of an e-commerce patent infringement spat.

Soverain Software hit the jackpot in its settlement with Amazon.com over accusations of patent infringement. Amazon noted in a Form 8-K filing that it would pay Soverain $40 million in exchange for ending the suit.

Terms of the settlement will see all claims and counterclaims dismissed, mutual releases, and Amazon receiving a non-exclusive license to the disputed technology. That technology centers on the shopping cart functionality on Amazon's site.

The functionality includes the ability to associate users with their browser session, and maintain access control as they navigate the site. This control keeps users from viewing other users' accounts on a site, among other features.

Soverain acquired three patents, which originally belonged to Open Market and subsequently passed through the ownership of two other firms. The company filed its suit against Amazon in federal court in Texas in January, 2004, according to Forbes.