A federal jury in San Diego found on 25 September that Apple infringed patents held by Taction Technology, and awarded Taction $5,721,961,750 in damages, about $5.72 billion [1].
The jury found Apple infringed claims 17 and 19 of US patent 10,659,885 and claim 16 of US patent 10,820,117 [1].
Both patents, granted to Taction, describe a vibration module that applies tactile sensations to the skin, illustrated in headphones [2]. That is the technology behind haptic feedback.
What it covers
Apple argued the claims were invalid. The jury found it had not proved that, by the clear and convincing evidence the law requires [1].
The jury found the infringement was not willful, for either patent [1]. A finding of willfulness would have allowed the judge to increase the damages.
The case is Taction Technology, Inc. v. Apple Inc., in the US District Court for the Southern District of California [1].
What it does not tell you
Which Apple products infringe, or how the jury reached its figure. The verdict form gives only the answers and the total [1].
What Apple will pay. A jury's award can be reduced or overturned by the judge after trial or on appeal; the verdict form says nothing about either [1].
Apple's or Taction's response. The source is the court record alone.
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