Apple hit with $5.7 billion verdict over Taptic Engine patent infringement - Leader Next Steps

Apple must pay $5.7 billion for infringing on 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 the lawsuit in 2021, alleging Apple had “infringed and continues to infringe, directly and indirectly” its patents.

As reported by CNBC, the lawsuit centered around two patents:

Both patents are focused on a “vibration module for applying vibrational tractions to a wearer’s skin.” Taction argued that Apple’s Taptic Engine infringes upon its patents, saying that Apple was “capitalizing on Taction’s innovation and success.”

Apple’s Taptic Engine first debuted as part of the Apple Watch in 2014 and came to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus the following year, replacing the older 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 entirely unsupported by the facts.

Apple’s Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction’s technology, which Taction’s own testing of Apple’s products confirmed during trial. Apple does not use Taction’s technology, and we will appeal.”

Taction Technology is a California-based company that describes itself as being “obsessed by sound.” The company says that its “Transporter Technology powers the game-changing Corsair HS60 Haptic headphones, and will soon be powering other premium headphones from major manufacturers.”

In a statement to CNBC, Taction’s lead counsel said:

“We’re happy the jury found for Taction and vindicated its patent rights. Taction waited five and a half years for this case to get to trial, so it was a long time coming.”

You can read the original complaint for patent infringement filed by Taction here and Friday’s jury ruling here.