Apple could have to pay up to $862m (£562m) in damages after a jury ruled that chip technology used in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus violates a university’s patent.
Sky News revealed that the patent is owned by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s licensing arm and covers a type of technology used to improve processor efficiency.
The technology was used in Apple’s A7, A8 and A8X processors, which are found in the iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus.
The processors are also used in some of the company’s iPad models.
Apple had denied infringing the patent, saying that it was invalid.
It had tried to convince the US Patent and Trademark Office to review whether the patent was valid, but the request was rejected.
A jury in Madison, Wisconsin, has now ruled that the company used the technology without permission.
US district judge William Conley said Apple could be liable for up to $862m in damages.
The case was brought by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), which has recently launched a separate action over the company’s newest chips – the A9 and A9X – which are used in the brand new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, and the iPad Pro.
WARF has previously taken legal action against Intel Corp, but the case was settled in 2009 on the eve of trial.
Posted by Janice Johnson
