Apple has been ordered to pay more than $5.7 billion after a US federal jury found that the technology giant infringed two patents owned by Taction Technology covering haptic feedback technology.
The verdict was delivered by a jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of California, bringing the latest stage of a patent dispute that began when Taction sued Apple in 2021.
Taction's patents relate to technology that creates vibrations users can feel when interacting with electronic devices. The technology is used in products such as smartphones and smartwatches, where haptic feedback can simulate actions such as pressing a button or receiving a notification.
The case focused on Apple's Taptic Engine, which provides tactile feedback in devices including iPhones and Apple Watches. The jury concluded that Apple's technology infringed two Taction patents, although it found that the infringement was not willful.
Taction welcomed the verdict, with its lawyers saying the company had waited several years for the case to reach trial. The lawsuit has involved extensive legal arguments over the technology and the evidence presented by both sides.
Apple strongly disputed the decision and said it plans to appeal. The company argued that its Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction's technology and maintained that it does not use the patented technology.
The $5.7 billion award is also significant for Burford Capital, a litigation-financing company that helped fund Taction's legal case. Burford said it could be entitled to about $1.4 billion under its financing arrangement, although it warned that large patent awards can be reduced or overturned during post-trial proceedings and appeals.
The verdict does not necessarily mean Apple will ultimately pay the full amount. The case remains subject to post-trial proceedings and Apple's planned appeal, which could alter the size or outcome of the award.
The ruling nevertheless represents a major legal setback for Apple and highlights the growing value of haptic technology, which has become a standard feature across smartphones, watches, gaming devices and other consumer electronics.