Apple wins third jury trial against Optis, avoiding hundreds of millions in patent damages

Apple did not infringe any patents owned by Texas-based Optis Wireless, a jury ruled today. In a verdict shared by the user Reutersa jury ruled that Apple did not infringe on any of the five LTE patents that Optis sued in 2019. If Optis wins, Apple could face hundreds of millions in damages.

Optis Wireless initially won $506 million from Apple in a 2020 lawsuit, but the damages were thrown out after Apple appealed because the jury did not calculate the damages with an understanding of fair and reasonable fundamental patent terms (FRAND). In 2021, a second jury trial was held to recalculate damages, and the jury awarded Optis $300 million. Apple appealed again, and the appeals court overturned the $300 million verdict because the district court had given improper jury instructions.

Apple and Optis were sent back to court for a third trial leading up to today’s verdict. Since the jury found in Apples favor, Apple owes Optis nothing. In the statement to ReutersApple said it was pleased the jury rejected Optis’ infringement claims.

“We thank the jury for their time and are pleased that they rejected Optis’ false claims. Optis does not make any products and its only business is to sue companies, which Apple has repeatedly done in an attempt to get an unfair payout.”

Optis is likely to appeal the ruling and send it back to the Court of Appeal. Apple is also battling Optis in the United Kingdom, where a British court has ordered Apple to pay $502 million. Apple has appealed the decision and the UK Supreme Court will hear the case in June 2026.