Apple asks a federal court to nullify or reduce a $5.7 billion ruling tied to two Taction patents covering haptic feedback in iPhones and Apple Watches.
Apple has filed to overturn or reduce the $5.7 billion verdict linked to two Taction Technology patents about haptic feedback used in iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple argues the damages were based on guesswork and a key damages expert’s analysis was ruled invalid before trial. If the court agrees, the verdict could be reduced, overturned, or a new trial ordered.
The case hinges on valuing the Taction patents and whether the jury had enough evidence to tie a dollar amount to the infringing acts. A ruling could affect how royalties for similar tech are calculated in the future.
What happens next depends on the court’s decision on Apple’s motion. Depending on the outcome, the case could move to retrial or a revised damages calculation.
Apple has filed a motion asking a federal court to set aside or reconsider a $5.7 billion verdict tied to two Taction Technology patents that cover how haptic feedback is produced in iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple says the damages calculation relied on guesswork and was not properly supported by the evidence, and it requests a new trial or a ruling that dismisses the infringement finding.
The high-stakes verdict, which Apple contest, was issued to Taction Technology. In its motion, Apple contends the plaintiff failed to anchor the royalty amount to a reasonable, demonstrable value for the patented technology. Apple also notes that a key damages expert’s royalties analysis was excluded before trial for flaws, and that expert later was barred from testifying. Taken together, Apple argues the jurors were not given a solid basis to decide on such a large figure.
Beyond the damages number, Apple points to questions from the judge before the verdict about whether the final amount on the verdict form truly reflected the jurors’ intent. The filing also accuses one of Taction’s technical witnesses of using a testing approach that Apple says does not align with the patents’ scope, implying the damage calculation rested on an invalid method.
Whatever the court decides could reshape the case. If the court finds infringement but agrees the damages are off, a retrial on damages could be ordered or the order reduced. If infringement is not proven, the entire verdict could fold. The court will consider Apple’s motion and any response from Taction to decide whether to uphold, overturn, or order a new trial.
The dispute centers on how Taction’s two patents cover vibrating feedback across different frequencies. Apple maintains its own Taptic Engine works differently, and the way damages were calculated did not tightly link a dollar value to the infringing acts. A ruling in Apple’s favor could shrink or eliminate the damages and potentially alter how future tech patent cases are valued.
First, the dollar amount at issue could drop or vanish. Second, the court might order a new trial focused on infringement and patent validity. Third, a revised damages analysis could be needed, potentially shifting payout levels if the court agrees with Apple’s method for calculating royalties.
For ordinary device owners, this is a reminder that patent fights can influence big products, even if the effects aren’t obvious day to day. If the court revises the verdict or reduces damages, it could affect how tech features are valued in future devices and how royalties are calculated for similar technologies.
The court will weigh Apple’s motion, await responses, and decide whether to grant a retrial, adjust the damages, or leave the verdict intact. The decision could come weeks or months from now, depending on the docket and the complexity of the arguments.
Apple wants the court to set aside or reduce the verdict, or to order a new trial on infringement, patent validity, and damages.
The Taptic Engine provides tactile feedback in iPhones and Apple Watches, simulating button presses and other physical sensations.
Look for the court’s ruling on Apple’s motion and any response from Taction. We’ll report any official statements from either side as they become available.
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