Apple ordered to pay record $5.7 billion for patent infringement
Apple has been told to pay San Diego-based Taction — which specializes in advanced audio and haptic feedback systems — more than $5.7 billion by a US jury.
The penalty relates to Taction’s patented haptic feedback technology, which Apple has used in its Apple Watches and iPhones. The jury decided that Apple had infringed two of the patents specifically.
Apple has said that it’s going to appeal the decision, which represents the largest such verdict in the States to date.
“Apple’s Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction’s technology, which Taction’s own testing of Apple’s products confirmed during trial,” Apple said in response. “Apple does not use Taction’s technology, and we will appeal,” it added.
The financial reward was “entirely unsupported by the facts,” Apple continued.
Taction was understandably more pleased with the verdict. We’re happy the jury found for Taction and vindicated its patent rights,” said Lance Yang, Taction’s attorney.
