A Texas jury has ruled Apple must pay internet security software and technology company VirnetX USD 625.6 million, in a patent-infringement suit filed by VirnetX regarding communications features on iPhones, iPads and other devices, the Wall Street Journal reported.
An Apple spokesperson said the company was surprised and disappointed by the verdict and that will appeal. She said cases like this simply reinforce the “desperate” need for patent reform. VirnetX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
VirnetX alleged in 2010 that Apple’s FaceTime and a feature related to virtual private networks infringed the company’s patents. In 2014, a federal appeals court threw out a USD 368 million jury award against Apple, ruling that the verdict was “tainted” by erroneous jury instructions. The appeals court sided with VirnetX on some issues.
The US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a comprehensive order with rulings on all motions on 12 December. The case was presented to jury on 25 January.
