$5.7 billion fine on Apple for patent infringement

A U.S. jury ordered the American electronics company Apple to pay more than $5.7 billion for “patent infringement.”

Tatiana Technology, the company that manufactures iPhone devices, accused Apple of using its technology in what is known as the “TapTech” engine, which powers functions such as vibration alerts on iPhones and Apple Watches.

In response, Apple told the U.S. news channel CNBC that it does not agree with the verdict issued last Friday and intends to appeal the ruling. The company stated that it did not use Tatiana Technology’s proprietary technology.

Notably, large damage awards are common in U.S. patent cases, but they are often reduced, sometimes significantly, on appeal.

The jury concluded that Apple did not willfully infringe the two patents. Had it been found to have done so willfully, the damages could have been tripled.