VirnetX Holding Corp. (VHC) was awarded $368.2 million after a federal jury today said Apple Inc. (AAPL) infringed its patents for virtual-private-network technology used in Apple’s FaceTime video-calling function.
VirnetX, which won a $200 million settlement from Microsoft Corp. in 2010, accused Apple of infringing four patents related to private networks. The case targeted Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad as well as Mac computers that use the FaceTime function. Apple denied infringing the patents and contends they’re invalid.
The VirnetX patents cover the use of a domain-name service to set up virtual private networks, through which a website owner can interact with customers in a secure way or an employee can work at home and get access to a company’s electronic files. Scotts Valley, California-based VirnetX had sought $708 million in damages.
“For years Apple refused to pay fair value for the VirnetX patents,” Doug Cawley, a lawyer with McKool Smith in Dallas who represents VirnetX, said in closing arguments. “Apple says they don’t infringe. But Apple developers testified that they didn’t pay any attention to anyone’s patents when developing their system.” Following the verdict, Cawley said VirnetX would seek an order to block further use of its inventions.
All new Via Bloomberg
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