Samsung, Google stick it to Apple with patent deal: Expert

Just before Apple's earnings report Monday, Samsung and Google announced a 10-year partnership to cross-license patents for wearable technology and other devices.

"Samsung and Google are showing the rest of the industry that there is more to gain from cooperating than engaging in unnecessary patent disputes," the companies said in a press release.

Samsung and Apple have engaged in patent disputes involving touch-screen user interfaces, headphone jack detection and other technology.

At the same time, Samsung devices running Google's Android operating system have been fierce competitors for Apple's iPhones and iPads.

Samsung Galaxy Gear at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Getty Images

(Read More: Could Intel miss out on the wearables boom?)

"Samsung and Google are already collaborating, so any patent agreement between the two is virtually meaningless. They're not going to sue each other anytime soon," said Mashable Technology Editor Pete Pachal.

"My take is that Samsung is trying to appear like the good guy in its patent disputes with Apple," Pachal added. "They're saying, 'See? We're totally reasonable and are capable of working out broad, long-term patent agreements with others. Apple's the one who likes to sue.' "

—By CNBC's Althea Chang.