Brief
Apple ordered to pay $5.7 bn after jury finds patent infringement
A federal jury in Southern California found that Apple used patented haptic technology without permission, leading to a $5.7 bn judgment.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A California jury concluded that Apple infringed two patents owned by San Diego‑based Taction Technology, ordering the company to pay more than $5.7 bn. The decision, reached in the Southern District of California, centres on the haptic feedback technology that powers the vibrations users feel when receiving notifications or pressing buttons on iPhones.
The verdict follows a legal battle that began in 2021 when Taction first sued Apple. In 2023 a federal judge ruled that Apple had not infringed the patents, but an appeals court revived the case last year. The jury found that Apple did not willfully infringe the patents, though it acknowledged that the company used the patented technology without a license.
"We’re happy the jury found for Taction and vindicated its patent rights," said Taction attorney Lance Yang after the verdict. Apple, meanwhile, said it would appeal. "Apple’s Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction’s technology," the company noted, adding that its own testing confirmed the distinction.
Apple’s CEO transition also coincided with the ruling. In September John Ternus succeeded Tim Cook as CEO, a change that comes as the company lags behind rivals in rolling out artificial‑intelligence products. Apple shares fell about two percent on Monday as trading opened.
Key facts
- Apple ordered to pay more than $5.7 bn for infringing Taction patents (aljazeera.com)
- Jury found Apple did not willfully infringe the patents (aljazeera.com)
- Apple plans to appeal the verdict (aljazeera.com)
- Taction sued Apple in 2021 (aljazeera.com)
- Apple’s CEO John Ternus took over in September (aljazeera.com)
Background
Apple has recently expanded its services portfolio, adding Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade to iCloud+ in over 100 countries, and launched AI‑powered features under Apple Intelligence in iOS 27. The company also announced a new AR headset codenamed N224 amid uncertainty over its Vision Pro. These developments occur as Apple faces a $250 million Siri settlement and a new patent infringement judgment.
Timeline
- 2021-01-01 — Taction first filed lawsuit against Apple
- 2023-01-01 — Federal judge ruled Apple had not infringed Taction’s patents
- 2026-09-28 — California jury orders Apple to pay $5.7 bn
Why it matters
The judgment represents a significant financial hit for Apple and underscores the importance of respecting third‑party patents in the tech industry.
What happens next
Apple has announced it will appeal the verdict. The outcome could influence future patent litigation involving major technology firms.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Apple ordered to pay $5. 7bn in patent infringement case”
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