UK Tribunal revives consumer case against Apple, Amazon (AAPL:NASDAQ)

A federal jury ordered Apple to pay $5.7 billion to Taction Technology for patent infringement related to haptic technology in Apple Watches and iPhones. Taction sued in 2021, and the jury ruled in its favor after a two-day deliberation. Apple plans to appeal, stating it does not use Taction's technology.

Apple ordered to pay $5.7B in damages for infringing patents on haptic feedback tech used in iPhones and Apple Watches, according to a jury verdict. Taction Technology, the plaintiff, claimed Apple used its patented technology without permission. Apple plans to appeal, stating the verdict is unsupported by facts and its technology differs from Taction's.

Apple lost a patent infringement case to Taction Technology, facing a $5.7 billion judgment over vibration technology used in its devices. The ruling could impact Apple's earnings and force redesigns or royalties.

Amazon plans to invest over $100 million in a 585,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Greenwood, Indiana, creating 300 jobs with an average salary of nearly $100,000 annually. The facility, set to launch by 2028, will produce robotics and fulfillment network products. Amazon cited Indiana's workforce, policies, and logistics infrastructure as key factors in the decision.

The UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal allowed a consumer class action against Apple and Amazon to proceed regarding a 2018 sales agreement on Apple products in Amazon's UK marketplace. The claim, covering 28.9 million UK consumers, alleges the agreement led to higher prices. Both companies deny wrongdoing. The tribunal did not certify claims for purchases outside Amazon's UK store. Estimated losses range from £289 million to £306 million, with potential damages of £37-£39 per customer.

A UK tribunal revived a consumer lawsuit against Apple and Amazon, allowing claims about direct marketplace purchases to proceed. The lawsuit alleges a secret deal between the companies limited discounts, potentially costing consumers £289-306 million. Judge Kelyn Bacon deemed the claims credible but rejected broader arguments about price impacts outside the marketplace. Justin Le Patourel now leads the case, replacing Christine Riefa, whose previous attempt was blocked.