Both tech companies announced today they have reached settlements on two different patent disputes (no relation between them).

Of most impressive amount, Microsoft announced a $440 million settlement and licensing deal with InterTrust Technologies, which markets digital rights management tools. Now, isn't this like the fifth million-dollar+ settlement (only in 2004) where the software giant has to give up some of its wealth to keep in good standing?

In the other hand AMD has agreed to pay 25 million to Intergraph over a chip patent dispute. This comes only weeks after the formerly 'graphics' company got some $225 million from Intel.