Apple Ordered to Pay $5.7bn in iPhone Patent Infringement Case

A jury in California has ordered Apple to pay more than $5.7 billion to Taction Technology after finding that the iPhone maker infringed two patents related to haptic feedback technology, which produces vibrations when users receive notifications or press buttons.

The verdict was delivered by a federal jury in the Southern District of California. The case dates back to 2021, when Taction Technology sued Apple, accusing the company of using its patented technology without permission.

A federal judge initially ruled in Apple’s favour in 2023, but an appeals court revived the case the following year.

Taction’s attorney, Lance Yang, welcomed the verdict, saying the jury had upheld the company’s patent rights.

However, the jury rejected Taction’s claim that Apple had wilfully infringed the patents.

Apple said it disagreed with the verdict and plans to appeal. The company argued that its Taptic Engine technology is fundamentally different from Taction’s patented technology and said Taction’s own testing supported that position during the trial.

The ruling comes as Apple undergoes a major leadership transition, following John Ternus’s appointment as CEO in September, replacing Tim Cook after 15 years at the helm.

Apple shares fell by about 2 percent at the start of trading on Monday following the verdict.

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