Northrop, Cogent settle lawsuit

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Cogent Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corp. said Monday they have agreed to settle Cogent's lawsuit against the defense contractor over automated fingerprint identification technology.

Northrop has agreed to pay Cogent $25 million to settle the litigation and $15 million for a non-exclusive license to use Cogent fingerprint ID software in certain existing programs.

Cogent, which makes fingerprint ID systems for governments, law enforcement and other agencies, filed the lawsuit in 2005.

The companies have also agreed to enter into a five-year research and development, service and products agreement, under which Northrop Grumman will pay Cogent $20 million for products and services over the term of the deal.

Northrop said it does not expect the terms of the settlement to affect its 2007 outlook.