After a recent patent infringement trial that resulted in a massive multibillion-dollar judgment against the company, Apple is now fighting a new and expanding legal battle. Taction Technology wants even more money for its haptic feedback innovations. The firm formally asked a federal judge for extra past damages, high interest payments, and an ongoing cut of revenue from future device sales between now and 2035.
Taction demands a long term slice of hardware profits
A jury recently told Apple it needs to pay $5.7 billion because its internal Taptic Engine copied two patents owned by Taction. The original payout only covered hardware sold from 2021 through March 2026. Because of this gap, Taction is now pushing for extra money to cover the months right before the fall verdict.
The firm also asked for interest on the missed payments at the standard seven percent rate in California. Adding that kind of interest to a multibillion-dollar award creates a massive new bill.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
Beyond the past payments, Taction wants an ongoing cut for every future iPhone sold in the United States until the patents run out in 2035. This long timeline means Taction hopes to profit from unreleased models like the rumored iPhone 18 Pro.
Apple pushes back against the billion dollar payout
Apple completely denies the claims and says its vibration technology works differently. The company is fighting back and plans to appeal the initial jury decision. During the trial, the jury decided the rule-breaking was unintentional, which might keep the judge from tripling the final penalty.
If the judge agrees to these new requests, the financial hit would grow much larger. The ongoing royalty demands would take a bite out of profits for a huge chunk of its product lineup. This includes major upcoming releases like the iPhone 18 Pro Max. It would also cover premium wearable gear like the next Apple Watch Ultra.
The court still needs to issue a final judgment on both the jury award and these new requests. For now, the entire sum remains pending while the legal process plays out. If the hardware maker wins its upcoming appeal, it could wipe out the initial $5.7 billion penalty and cancel the demand for future royalties. The final decision will determine just how expensive a single patent fight can get.
Discussion