Apple Says It Will Appeal Record $5.7 Billion Patent Verdict

A US jury has ruled that tech giant Apple must pay over $5.7 billion to San Diego-based company Taction for allegedly infringing on patents related to haptic feedback technology found in iPhones and Apple Watches. This is the largest verdict of its kind in the country thus far. The jury determined that Apple's Taptic Engine, which creates tapping and vibration feedback in its devices, violated two patents owned by Taction.

Apple has rejected the ruling and announced its intent to appeal the decision. The company maintains that its Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction's technology, as confirmed by testing of Apple's products during the trial. Apple further stated that it does not utilize Taction's technology and intends to challenge the verdict.

Taction's attorney, Lance Yang, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that the jury upheld the company's patent rights. Taction incorporates its technology into various products such as headphones and gaming headsets. The lawsuit against Apple was filed in 2021, with Taction accusing the company of using patented haptic technology without obtaining permission. Apple refuted these allegations and contended that Taction's patents were invalid.