SPSS settles with founder Nie over trademark dispute

The legal wrangle dates back to 2008 after Nie refused a $10 offer from the company for the rights to its name. He set SPSS up in 1975.

SPSS asked a judge to rule on its right to continue to use the trademark after failing to reach an agreement with Nie. In response Nie countersued SPSS for damages, alleging trademark infringement.

In a statement late Friday, the research and analytics software company announced a settlement had been reached with Nie, but terms were not disclosed. SPSS said it would make “no further comment on the issue”.

The settlement comes ahead of a meeting on Friday at which SPSS shareholders will vote on IBM’s $1.2bn bid to buy the company.