In a long-standing legal battle between VirnetX and Apple, the Supreme Court has delivered a major blow to VirnetX by denying their bid to revive a $503 million patent case. This decision marks the end of a 13-year legal feud between the two companies.
VirnetX, known as a patent troll, first initiated legal action against Apple in 2012. After nine years of litigation, Apple finally settled the initial lawsuit, paying VirnetX a hefty $454 million settlement in 2020. However, VirnetX continued to press charges, alleging that Apple had infringed upon their FaceTime, VPN, and iMessage patents.
In 2018, a jury in East Texas ruled in favor of VirnetX, awarding them $502 million in damages. Apple, however, immediately appealed the decision to the Federal Circuit. The appeals court eventually granted a ruling in favor of Apple in March 2023, declaring that VirnetX’s second set of patent claims were invalid.
Undeterred, VirnetX took the case to the Supreme Court, hoping for a different outcome. Unfortunately for them, the Supreme Court announced its decision to decline the $503 million case. This means that the Federal Circuit’s ruling in favor of Apple will stand.
Notably, even President Biden’s representatives from the Patent Office supported Apple’s stance, urging the Supreme Court to reject VirnetX’s case. VirnetX voiced their dissatisfaction with the interim director of the patent office, alleging that he had exceeded his authority by denying their requests for director review of the decisions.
On the other hand, Apple contended that VirnetX’s arguments lacked support from applicable federal law.
With this verdict, Apple emerges victorious, putting an end to the relentless legal battles initiated by VirnetX.
FAQ:
1. What was the outcome of the legal battle between VirnetX and Apple?
The Supreme Court denied VirnetX’s bid to revive a $503 million patent case, marking the end of the 13-year legal feud between the two companies.
2. Who is VirnetX?
VirnetX is known as a patent troll, and they first initiated legal action against Apple in 2012.
3. How much did Apple settle with VirnetX?
After nine years of litigation, Apple settled the initial lawsuit with VirnetX, paying them a hefty $454 million settlement in 2020.
4. What were the patent infringement claims made by VirnetX against Apple?
VirnetX accused Apple of infringing upon their FaceTime, VPN, and iMessage patents.
5. Did the jury rule in favor of VirnetX?
Yes, in 2018, a jury in East Texas ruled in favor of VirnetX, awarding them $502 million in damages.
6. Did Apple appeal the decision?
Yes, Apple immediately appealed the decision to the Federal Circuit.
7. What was the ruling of the appeals court?
In March 2023, the appeals court ruled in favor of Apple, declaring that VirnetX’s second set of patent claims were invalid.
8. What was the Supreme Court’s decision?
The Supreme Court declined VirnetX’s $503 million case, which means that the Federal Circuit’s ruling in favor of Apple will stand.
9. Did President Biden’s representatives support Apple?
Yes, even President Biden’s representatives from the Patent Office supported Apple’s stance and urged the Supreme Court to reject VirnetX’s case.
10. Why did VirnetX voice their dissatisfaction with the interim director of the patent office?
VirnetX alleged that the interim director had exceeded his authority by denying their requests for director review of the decisions.
11. What was Apple’s argument?
Apple contended that VirnetX’s arguments lacked support from applicable federal law.
Key Terms/Jargon:
– Patent troll: Refers to a company or individual that enforces patents in a way that is perceived as aggressive or opportunistic, often by suing or threatening litigation against other companies for allegedly infringing on their patents.
Related Links:
– Apple
The source of the article is from the blog procarsrl.com.ar