Apple has been ordered by a federal jury in Texas to pay $532.9 million for infringing on patents held by Smartflash LLC, in software and games delivered through iTunes.
Apple infringed three patents related to “data storage and managing access through payment systems,” the plaintiff claimed and cited their use in apps like Game Circus LLC’s Coin Dozer and 4 Pics 1 Movie.
Game companies who used the same technologies settled out of court with Smartflash earlier.
Apple said that it saw no reason to pay royalties on the price of a phone when the dispute was over a single feature.
“People do not buy cell phones for the sole purpose of using apps,”representing lawyer Eric Albritton said.
Smartflash which doesn’t sell anything itself and makes money only by licensing the seven patents it holds originally sought $852 million in damages, arguing that it was entitled to a percentage of sales of Apple products that access iTunes.
It’s also suing Samsung and Google, and has previously taken Amazon.com to court as well.
Via TNW
