Apple ordered to pay $428m in patents case

Thu, 04 Feb, 2016 - 19:11

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

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

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.