Full Breakdown
Apple Ordered to Pay $5.7 B for Haptic Patent Infringement
By Drooid · · How we work
The Verdict and Its Immediate Impact
On September 26, a federal jury in the Southern District of California found that Apple Inc. infringed two haptic-technology patents owned by San Diego-based Taction Technology Inc. The jury ordered Apple to pay more than $5.7 billion in damages. Jurors also concluded that the infringement was not willful, limiting Taction’s ability to seek enhanced damages.
Background and Context
- 2021 – Taction Technology filed suit alleging that Apple’s “Taptic Engine” used in iPhones and Apple Watches incorporated patented vibration-based technology without a license.
- 2023 – U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson granted Apple summary judgment, dismissing the claims.
- August 2025 – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit revived the case, finding the district court had improperly excluded portions of Taction’s expert testimony.
- The patents at issue are **U.S. Patent Nos.
- Litigation financing was provided by Gronostaj Investments LLC and Kenosha Investments LP, the latter identified in separate litigation as an indirect subsidiary of Burford Capital Ltd.
Data and Statistics
- Damages awarded: > $5.7 billion.
- Patents involved: 2.
- Jury composition: 7 jurors; deliberated parts of two days before delivering the verdict at 1:15 p.m. PT.
- Willfulness finding: No; the jury determined infringement was not willful.
- Litigation timeline: The case waited roughly five and a half years from filing to trial.
Official Statements & Responses
- Apple maintains that its Taptic Engine is “fundamentally different” from Taction’s technology and announced it will appeal.
- Taction: Lead counsel Lance Yang, partner at Quinn Emanuel, said the jury “vindicated its patent rights” and noted the lengthy litigation period.
- Legal representation: Apple is represented by Fish & Richardson; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; Walker Stevens Cannom LLP; and Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP. The post-trial phase will occur before Judge Todd W. Robinson, after which Apple can pursue its appeal.
On-the-Ground Reports
Court observers reported that the verdict represents one of the largest patent-infringement awards in U.S. history and that the jury’s decision was rendered promptly after deliberations on September 26.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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 Watch. Apple, pieces of expert
What’s Next
Apple has indicated it will file an appeal, which would return the dispute to the Federal Circuit for review. Meanwhile, post-trial proceedings before Judge Robinson will address the $5.7 billion award before the appellate process begins.