Key Takeaways
- Apple has been ordered to pay $5.7 billion to Taction for patent infringement.
- The verdict involves Apple's Taptic Engine used in iPhones and Apple Watches.
- Apple plans to challenge the ruling, claiming its technology is fundamentally different.
A US jury has ruled that Apple must pay $5.7 billion to San Diego-based Taction for infringing patents related to haptic feedback technology used in iPhones and Apple Watches.
The verdict, delivered on Friday, is the largest of its kind in the country to date.
The jury found that Apple’s Taptic Engine, which produces tapping and vibration feedback in its devices, infringed two patents owned by Taction.
Apple rejected the ruling and stated it would appeal, arguing that its Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction’s technology.
The company added that it does not use Taction’s technology and plans to challenge the verdict.
Taction’s attorney, Lance Yang, welcomed the decision, stating that the jury had upheld the company’s patent rights.
Taction uses its technology in products including headphones and gaming headsets.
The company filed the lawsuit against Apple in 2021, accusing it of using patented haptic technology without permission.
Apple denied the allegations and argued that Taction’s patents were invalid.
Apple’s Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction’s technology, which Taction’s own testing of Apple’s products confirmed during trial.
Apple, Company statement
The jury had upheld the company’s patent rights.
Lance Yang, Taction’s attorney
