Haptics technology firm Taction sued Apple in 2021, alleging infringement of two patents. A federal jury in San Diego has now awarded Taction more than $5.7 billion in damages. According to CNBC, the lawsuit centered on U.S. Patent Nos. 10,659,885 and 10,820,117, both of which cover vibration‑based tactile transducer technology that provides users with tactile feedback when interacting with a device.
Taction argued that Apple’s Taptic Engine, used in Apple Watches and iPhones, incorporated its patented technology without a proper license. The jury agreed, finding that Apple infringed two claims from one patent and one claim from the other. However, the jury did not determine that the infringement was willful. Taction alleged that Apple reverse‑engineered the technology from Kannon gaming headsets.
Apple has stated its intention to appeal the decision and has been asked for additional comment; the story will be updated if further information becomes available.
