Apple made use of VirnetX’s (a patent licensing company) Internet security technology in its Facetime and iMessage features without permission. Hence, a federal jury in Texas on Wednesday ruled that the iPhone maker will be required to pay a fine of more than $625 million, says a report from Reuters.
Apple says it’s a mistrial
VirnetX originally demanded $532 million in the trial that began on Jan. 25 in Tyler, Tex. The jury ruled that Apple willfully infringed upon the technology.
“We are thankful for the jurors’ hard work and attention in this case, and for reaching a just verdict. The jury saw what we have been saying all along: Apple has been infringing VirnetX’s patented technology for years,” said VirnetX lawyer Jason Cassady.
On the same day, Apple filed court papers asking U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder for a mistrial, claiming that during the closing arguments, VirnetX’s attorneys misled and confused the jury. When Schroeder will rule on Apple’s request is unknown for now.
This is the second court battle between Apple and VirnetX, and in the previous trial, the latter won $368 million in damages from the big fat firm. However, a U.S. appeals court later ruled that the jury had not calculated the award correctly and ordered a new trial.
Preserving historic NYC buildings
In other Apple-related news, the iPhone maker will receive the 2016 Chairman’s Award of the New York City Landmarks Conservancy. The award is a recognition of its contribution in preservation and restoration of notable historic structures in New York City.
“Apple’s SoHo, West 14th Street, Upper East Side and Grand Central Terminal stores are all cited for marrying modern technology with distinguished architecture,” the Conservancy said.
Apple will receive the award on March 9 at the conservancy’s 2016 Chairman’s Award Luncheon. Apple’s Grand Central Terminal location is perhaps the most trafficked location and is located in the heart of the transportation hub. According to estimates, almost 700,000 people pass through the station on a daily basis.
Apple’s Upper East Side store located inside a remodeled bank is one of the newest recognized properties. Many of the original features of the building are intact, and the credit for it goes to Apple. It also includes a bank fault that has been turned into a VIP room.
On Wednesday, Apple shares closed up 1.98% at $96.35. Year to date, the stock is down by over 8%, while in the last year, it is down by almost 18%.
