Taction Seeks Royalties on Apple Devices Following $5.7B Patent Verdict
Taction demands ongoing payments for future iPhone and Apple Watch sales until 2035.
1Historic Patent Verdict
A US jury recently awarded Taction Technology $5.7 billion after finding Apple’s Taptic Engine infringed on two specific patents. Apple strongly disputes this ruling, claiming its technology is fundamentally distinct from Taction’s designs. The company has officially requested that the court overturn the verdict or grant a brand new trial.
2Expanding Financial Demands
Taction is now filing motions for supplemental damages, prejudgment interest dating back to April 2021, and ongoing royalties. The company argues the initial jury award only covered sales through March 2026. Consequently, they are seeking compensation for an additional six months of sales beyond the original scope of the jury's decision.
3Leveraging Apple's Legal Precedent
Taction is strategically using Apple’s own past legal arguments against Samsung to justify its royalty demands. Apple previously argued that royalties should apply to newer models using similar technology. Taction now asserts that Apple’s latest devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 4, are not colorably different.
4Proposed Royalty Framework
Taction proposes that Apple provide quarterly reports detailing US sales of the allegedly infringing devices. Royalty payments would be due within 30 days following the end of each fiscal quarter. This mechanism aims to ensure consistent compensation for Taction as long as the disputed technology remains in active commercial use.
5Interest and Duration
The company is requesting a 7% annual rate for prejudgment interest under California law. Furthermore, Taction wants these royalty payments to extend through September 24, 2035. This date marks the official expiration of the patents in question, setting a long-term financial target for the ongoing legal battle between the firms.
6Unresolved Legal Status
The judge has not yet entered the jury’s verdict as a final judgment in this case. Both the original $5.7 billion award and Taction’s new supplemental demands remain legally unresolved. Apple’s motion to overturn the verdict or secure a new trial is also pending, leaving the final outcome currently uncertain.
7Scope of Infringement Claims
Taction’s claims specifically target the Taptic Engine technology integrated into various iPhone and Apple Watch models. By citing the 'not more than colorably different' standard, the company aims to capture revenue from future hardware iterations. This approach forces a direct confrontation over Apple’s iterative design process and its patent portfolio.
8Strategic Industry Implications
This case highlights the massive financial risks associated with patent litigation in the consumer electronics sector. If Taction succeeds, it could set a significant precedent for how royalties are calculated on future product cycles. The outcome will likely influence how major tech firms approach patent licensing and hardware development strategies moving forward.
Original article: 9to5Mac — Taction Seeks Royalties on Apple Devices Following $5.7B Patent Verdict