The University of Wisconsin successfully claimed that Apple used its microchip technology without permission in a few iPhones and iPads. According to a report from Reuters, this is a pretty big deal because it is possible that Apple could be facing damages as much as $862 million.
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The jury in Madison, Wisconsin also said the patent, which improves processor efficiency, was valid.
To view the full article, register now. Damages have not actually been set, however, and the amount Apple owes will depend in part on the third and next phase of the trial where the jury will be asked to find whether Apple’s infringement was willful. It tried to convince the USPTO to review the patent’s validity but the agency denied the request in April.
According to a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge William Conley, who is presiding over the case, Apple could be liable for up to $862.4 million in damages. It was awarded to four researchers at the University of Wisconsin in July 1998.
Just last month, WARF filed a second lawsuit against the tech giant regarding the same patent, this time looking into the A9 and A9x processors used in the newest iOS flagship devices.
Patently Apple broke the news in February 2014 that Apple’s A7 Processor was targeted in a patent lawsuit filed by The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) regarding patent 5,781,752.
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WARF used the the same patent to sue Intel Corp.in 2008, but the case was settled the following year on the eve of trial.
