Do You Know? Apple has been ordered to pay more than $5.7 billion after a federal jury found its Taptic Engine infringed two patents owned by haptics company Taction.
What happened?
A federal jury in San Diego awarded Taction more than $5.7 billion in damages in its patent dispute with Apple. Taction sued Apple in 2021, alleging that Apple used patented haptic technology without a proper license.
The case centered on U.S. Patent Nos. 10,659,885 and 10,820,117. The patents cover vibration-based tactile transducer technology that allows users to feel a device respond to their input.
Which Apple products are involved?
Taction argued that Apple’s Taptic Engine, used in Apple Watches and iPhones, incorporated technology it had developed. The jury agreed that Apple infringed two claims in one patent and one claim in the other.
The jury did not find that Apple willfully infringed the patents. Taction had also accused Apple of reverse-engineering the technology from two Kannon gaming headsets.
Why this matters
The verdict could have significant consequences for Apple because the patents relate to a core type of feedback used in some of its consumer devices. However, the source does not say whether the award will affect product sales, device features or future licensing arrangements.
What happens next?
Apple has said it intends to appeal the decision. The source also says Apple was contacted for additional comment, but no further response was included.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties | Apple and Taction |
| Case filed | 2021 |
| Court action | A federal jury trial in San Diego |
| Damages | More than $5.7 billion |
| Patents | U.S. Patent Nos. 10,659,885 and 10,820,117 |
| Next step | Apple plans to appeal |
Source: The Verge.
Bottom Line
A jury found Apple’s Taptic Engine infringed two Taction patents and awarded more than $5.7 billion in damages. The decision is not final because Apple plans to appeal.
Source
This report is based on information published by The Verge.
