IBM has resolved a lawsuit against its former vice president and the executive, Mark Papermaster, who is now allowed to work for Apple six months after leaving his post at IBM.

Big Blue claimed that Papermaster's quick move to the Cupertino toymaker violated confidentiality agreements. Apple wanted Papermaster to head its iPod and iPhone hardware engineering teams, replacing Tony Fadell.

A federal district court granted IBM's request for preliminary injunctive relief and ordered that Papermaster "immediately cease employment" with Apple. However the two have agreed to resolve the lawsuit, but Papermaster won't be able to join Apple until after April 24.