Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once famously told a biographer that he was willing to go to "thermonuclear war" with Google before he ever granted the Android manufacturer deals on his mobile technology patents. However, at least one analyst believes it might be time for Apple to move beyond the late executive's hard-line approach to intellectual property management.

According to Bloomberg, Jobs backed up his claims in his final months by filing patent infringement lawsuits against HTC, Samsung and Motorola - the three largest manufacturers of Android mobile devices. Apple was soon spurred on by a series of notable legal victories, including a ban on Samsung's Galaxy tablet in Australia.

But as the Cupertino company continues to wage war on a variety of fronts, some are beginning to wonder if a change in strategy may better serve its shareholders. In an interview with Bloomberg, IP advisor Kevin Rivette suggested that it may be time to investigate licensing options.

"Using their patents to keep rivals out of the market is like putting rocks in a stream. The stream is going to find a way around it. Wouldn't it be better to direct where the water goes?" Rivette explained.

If Apple were to settle with Samsung, according to 9to5 Mac, it may be able to secure $10 in royalties for every Android device sold - a figure that is reportedly well above the licensing revenue garnered by Microsoft.