A US federal jury has told Apple to pay USD 532.9 million after finding the company’s iTunes software infringed three patents owned by Texas-based patent licensing company Smartflash, Reuters reported. Smartflash had asked for USD 852 million in damages. The patents are related to accessing and storing entertainment software.
Apple suggested the outcome was another reason why reform is needed in the patent system to curb litigation by companies that do not make products themselves, such as Smartflash. The company said in a reaction that it had refused to pay off the company for ideas its employees spent years innovating; it had therefore taken the case to court. A representative for Smartflash could not immediately be reached.
