Apple and Samsung have agreed to participate in settlement talks to try to resolve a patent lawsuit over smartphone and tablet technology, according to a U.S. District Court, Northern District of California filing. In a court filing on Monday (U.S. District Court, Northern District of California is Apple Inc v. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd et al, 11-1846.), the companies agreed to the settlement conference. A San Francisco-based magistrate judge will lead the talks.

The two companies are engaged in a legal battle that includes many cases in different countries as they are fighting for the top spot in the smartphone and tablet markets.

Apple sued Samsung in the United States last year, saying the South Korean company's Galaxy line of mobile phones and tablets copies the iPhone and iPad. Samsung then countersued Apple.