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Apple ordered to pay $5.7 billion in patent lawsuit over haptic technology
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A federal jury in San Diego, California, has ordered Apple to pay over $5.7 billion in damages for using Taction Technology's patented haptic sensor technology without authorization in its Apple Watch and iPhone devices. This is reportedly the largest patent damages award in U.S. history. Taction sued Apple in 2021, alleging that Apple's Taptic Engine, introduced in 2014 with the Apple Watch and later in the iPhone 6s, infringed on its vibration-based touch sensor patents. The case was initially dismissed in 2023 but reinstated by a federal appeals court. Apple has stated it strongly disagrees with the verdict, calling it baseless, and plans to appeal, arguing its technology is fundamentally different. Taction's lead attorney, Lance Yang, thanked the jury and noted the long legal battle. Analysts note that while the $5.7 billion sum is not financially crippling for Apple, a successful appeal could reduce or overturn the award, but an upheld verdict might encourage other haptic technology patent holders to sue smartphone makers.
Source report
A federal jury in San Diego, California, ruled on Friday that Apple must pay more than $5.7 billion in damages to Taction Technology for infringing on its patented touch-sensing technology. The award marks the largest patent damages verdict in U.S. history.
Background of the Case
Taction filed a lawsuit against Apple in 2021, alleging that the company had unfairly exploited Taction's innovation and success by selling devices that infringed on its touch technology. The case was initially dismissed in 2023, but was later reinstated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Apple's Response
In a statement, Apple strongly disagreed with the jury's verdict and the damages amount, calling them "completely without factual basis." The company argued that its Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction's technology, and noted that Taction's own testing of Apple products during the trial confirmed this. Apple stated it did not use Taction's technology and plans to appeal the decision.
Taction's Reaction
Lance Yang, Taction's lead attorney, thanked the jury and noted that the company had waited five and a half years for the case to go to trial, describing the process as a long and arduous journey.
Core Technology at Issue
The lawsuit centers on two vibration-based haptic sensor technologies designed to help users perceive device responses to their inputs. Taction claimed that Apple's Taptic Engine, embedded in the Apple Watch and iPhone, used its inventions without authorization.
Apple first introduced the Taptic Engine in 2014 as part of the original Apple Watch, and later incorporated it into the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus in 2015, replacing older vibration motors.
Potential Implications
Given Apple's intention to appeal, the final resolution of the damages may take considerably longer. The presiding judge will first rule on post-trial motions before the case moves to the appellate court. Large damages awards of this magnitude are often overturned or significantly reduced on appeal.
While the $5.7 billion verdict is not a financial burden for Apple—the company could cover the amount with a single quarter's profits—a upheld ruling could encourage other haptic technology patent holders to pursue litigation against smartphone manufacturers.
Source: Cailianshe
Source
财联社Neutral / independent
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US jury orders Apple to pay record $5.7 billion for haptic patent infringement