Apple must pay $5.7 billion for violating patents held by Taction Technology, a US jury ruled on Friday. The patents relate to Apple’s Taptic Engine, which is the hardware Apple uses to provide haptic feedback for notifications, button presses and other interactions.
Taction first filed a lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Apple had “violated and continues to violate, directly and indirectly” its patents.
As reported CNBCthe lawsuit concerned two patents:
Both patents focus on a “vibration module for applying vibratory tractions to the user’s skin.” Taction argued that Apple’s Taptic Engine infringed its patents, saying Apple was “capitalizing on Taction’s innovation and success.”
Apple’s Taptic Engine debuted with the Apple Watch in 2014 and came to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus the following year, replacing the old vibration motor.
In a statement, an Apple spokesperson said:
“While we thank the jury for their consideration, we strongly disagree with today’s verdict and the damages awarded, which are completely unsupported by the facts.
Apple’s Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction’s technology, which Taction’s own testing of Apple products has confirmed during trials. Apple does not use Taction’s technology and we will appeal.
Taction Technology is a California-based company that describes itself as “obsessed with sound.” The company says its “Transporter technology powers the revolutionary Corsair HS60 haptic headset and will soon power other premium headsets from major manufacturers.”
In a statement to CNBCTaction’s lead lawyer said:
“We are pleased that the jury ruled in favor of Taction and vindicated its patent rights. Taction waited five and a half years for this case to go to trial, so it took a long time.”
You can read the original patent infringement complaint filed by Taction here and Friday’s jury decision here.
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