Over a month ago an ugly dispute between TomTom NV and Microsoft Corp. erupted. Microsoft accused TomTom, one of the most successful small open-source companies, of infringing on its patents.  As TomTom uses Linux on its GPS products, many in the open source community reacted or overreacted believing the attack to be an opening shot by Microsoft against the open source movement.

TomTom fired back with a countersuit of its own, accusing Microsoft of "willful" infringement and demanding three times in damages what Microsoft was seeking. 

Now at last the pair have made up, in a deal which appears to be geared in Microsoft's favor.  Microsoft has agreed to let the Dutch company use its eight car navigation and file management system patents for an undisclosed licensing fee.  TomTom will provide Microsoft use of its four patents used in the countersuit for free.

The agreement will last for five years.  Both companies declined comment.