Apple Ordered to Pay $5.7 Billion Over Patent Infringement
A US federal jury has mandated that Apple compensate Taction Technology, a San Diego-based firm, with over $5.7 billion for infringing upon patents related to haptic feedback technology used in electronic devices.
This ruling, reported by Reuters, marks the largest verdict of its kind within the United States to date.
Apple has expressed strong dissent regarding both the verdict and the monetary damages and intends to pursue an appeal.
The jury concluded that Apple’s Taptic Engine, responsible for generating tactile responses such as tapping in devices including iPhones and Apple Watches, violated two patents held by Taction. However, the jury did not find the infringement to be willful or intentional.
The central issue in this legal confrontation involves US patents Nos. 10,659,885 and 10,820,117, which encapsulate technology that utilizes vibrations to create tactile feedback during user interactions with electronic devices.
Taction accused Apple of leveraging its patented technology in the Taptic Engine without securing a license or any form of authorization, alleging that Apple wrongfully capitalized on Taction’s innovation and achievements by marketing products that integrated this technology.
In 2021, Taction initiated the lawsuit against Apple in the US District Court for the Southern District of California. Although Apple initially succeeded in getting the case dismissed in 2023, the US Federal Circuit subsequently reinstated the lawsuit, thereby allowing the patent dispute to proceed.
The trial commenced on September 14, with seven jurors deliberating for two days following the conclusion of proceedings. They delivered their verdict around 1:15 PM Pacific Time on Friday, ruling in favor of Taction.
Introduced in conjunction with the Apple Watch in 2014, the Taptic Engine employs a linear resonant actuator to create nuanced haptic responses, providing greater precision in movement and sensations, which encompass taps, vibrations, and simulated heartbeats, as indicated by sources.
In a statement relayed to CNBC, Apple refuted the jury’s findings, disputing both the infringement ruling and the extent of the damages awarded.
The company stated: “While we appreciate the jury for their consideration, we vehemently disagree with the verdict and the damages which are entirely unfounded by the facts.”
Apple further posited that its technology significantly diverges from Taction’s patented system. “Our Taptic Engine is fundamentally distinct from Taction’s technology, as corroborated by Taction’s own testing of our products during the trial,” the company asserted. “Apple does not utilize Taction’s technology, and we will pursue an appeal.”
In response to the verdict, Taction expressed satisfaction. Lance Yang, a partner at Quinn Emanuel and Taction’s lead counsel, remarked: “We are pleased the jury favored Taction and upheld its patent rights.”
He noted that Taction had been waiting for five and a half years for this case to proceed to trial, highlighting the prolonged nature of the legal battle.
The monumental $5.7 billion award is now poised for further examination as Apple embarks on its appeal journey.
Source link: Slguardian.org.
