Apple ordered to pay $428m in patents case

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.

Apple Ordered To Pay 5M To Patent Troll In FaceTime Lawsuit https://t.co/6wopFROca7 by @jonrussell

— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) February 4, 2016