Advertisement

Texas jury orders Apple to pay $625.6 million in patent case

Leading tech companies are rallying behind Apple - some belatedly - in its fight against a court order requiring the company to help investigators break into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino mass shooters.
Leading tech companies are rallying behind Apple - some belatedly - in its fight against a court order requiring the company to help investigators break into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino mass shooters. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

A federal jury in East Texas has ordered Apple to pay $625.6 million after finding that Apple services like FaceTime and iMessage infringed on technology patents held by Nevada patent-holding company VirnetX.

VirnetX had previously won a $368 million verdict against Apple on similar claims in 2012. That award was overturned by an appellate court, which ordered a new trial.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Apple files patent for technology to control touchscreen without touching it

While an attorney for VirnetX praised the verdict, Apple vowed to appeal and said the case shows a need for patent-system reform. Apple Inc. has won appeals in similar cases after losing in East Texas, which is known for large judgments in patent claims.

VirnetX is a company that buys technology patents and aims to make money from licensing fees and lawsuits. It has previously sued Microsoft, Cisco and others.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices