Apple’s Taptic Engine, the haptic feedback system introduced with the Apple Watch in 2014, has been at the center of a protracted legal battle. The technology, which has evolved significantly since its debut, drew a lawsuit from Taction, a manufacturer of headphones and gaming headsets, in 2021. Taction alleged that Apple’s refinements to its haptic system infringed patents granted to Taction in 2020.
In its complaint, Taction argued that Apple’s enhanced vibration capabilities improved the overall user experience, effectively allowing the tech giant to capitalize on Taction’s innovations without authorization. A San Diego judge initially ruled in Apple’s favor in 2023, finding no infringement. However, a federal appeals court reversed course, leading to a September jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
The jury ultimately sided with Taction, awarding $5.7 billion in damages. Notably, the jurors determined that Apple’s infringement was not willful. The verdict adds to a growing list of intellectual property disputes Apple has faced recently; in November 2025, the company was ordered to pay $634 million to medical technology firm Masimo over patent infringement related to blood-oxygen monitoring features.
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