If you enjoy the speed and efficiency of Apple products, you may have researchers at the University of Wisconsin to thank. At least that’s the conclusion of a jury that found Apple used the University’s patented processes without permission.
Yesterday, a jury in Madison Wisconsin found against Apple in a lawsuit brought by the University, according to Reuters. The jury said that the patent, which covers technology used to make computer processors more efficient, is owned by the University’s licensing arm but was used in iPhones and many other Apple products without the computer maker paying for licensing.
The trial will now proceed to determine damages Apple must pay to the UW, which some experts say could exceed $862 million. If the jury rules that Apple willfully violated the patent, the company could be hit with additional monetary sanctions.
Apple has denied that the University’s claim to the patent is valid, and took its complaint to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In April, that office rejected Apple’s claims.
The University last month launched a second case against Apple, claiming that the company’s newest chips continue to make unlicensed use of its proprietary technology. UW previously sued Intel for violating the patent, leading to a 2009 settlement agreement.