Apple Ordered to Pay Record $5.7 Billion in Haptic Patent Case

A federal jury has ordered Apple to pay more than $5.7 billion to a small San Diego technology firm, finding that the haptic feedback system in iPhones and Apple Watches infringed its patents — the largest patent damages award of its kind in the United States to date, according to Reuters.

The jury ruled on Friday that Apple’s Taptic Engine, which produces the tapping vibrations users feel on iPhones and Apple Watches, infringed two patents held by Taction Technology, which uses its own vibration technology in headphones and gaming headsets.

Taction filed the lawsuit in 2021, accusing Apple of using its patented technology without permission. Apple denied the allegations and argued the patents were invalid, and said it would appeal the verdict.

“We’re happy the jury found for Taction and vindicated its patent rights,” Taction attorney Lance Yang said, according to Reuters. Apple responded that its technology was “fundamentally different” from Taction’s, adding: “Apple does not use Taction’s technology, and we will appeal.”

The case had been revived last year by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit after a San Diego federal judge ruled in Apple’s favour in 2023.

Sources:
Reuters: US jury says Apple owes record $5.7 billion in haptic technology patent case | Livemint: Apple asked to pay $5.7 bn to Taction