Home / Business and Economy / Apple Hit With $5.7B Verdict Over Vibration Tech
Apple Hit With $5.7B Verdict Over Vibration Tech
28 Sep
Summary
- Jury ordered Apple to pay $5.7 billion for patent infringement.
- Apple allegedly used patented haptic feedback tech without permission.
- Apple plans to appeal the verdict, denying technology use.
A federal jury in California has ordered Apple to pay Taction Technology more than $5.7 billion. The ruling found that Apple infringed on two Taction patents by using its technology for haptic feedback in iPhones and Apple Watches without permission. The case, filed in 2021 by San Diego-based Taction Technology, centered on Apple's "Taptic Engine."
This tiny motor provides tactile feedback through vibrations. Taction Technology argued that Apple's vibration systems violated its core patents for advanced tactile sensation features. Although the jury found Apple liable, it determined the infringement was not willful.
Apple has publicly stated its strong disagreement with the verdict and the damages awarded, calling them unsupported by the facts. The tech giant plans to appeal, asserting that its Taptic Engine is fundamentally different and that it does not use Taction's technology. Taction's legal team celebrated the decision as a victory for smaller innovators, emphasizing the protection of their patent rights after a five-and-a-half-year wait for trial.
