Apple Inc. has been ordered to pay $110.7 million in damages after a U.S. federal jury found the tech giant guilty of infringing a wireless communication patent owned by Spanish technology firm TOT Power Control, S.L. The case centered around a key 3G patent used in Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.
The jury in Delaware federal court determined that Apple had violated U.S. Patent No. 7,532,865, which relates to outer loop power control technology, crucial for improving efficiency in mobile device communication networks. It helps to manage signal strength between a mobile device and network base stations.
What the Verdict Means
The decision follows a lengthy trial in which TOT Power Control alleged that Apple used its patented technology without proper licensing agreements. The awarded amount reflects a running royalty of approximately $0.25 per device that uses the infringing technology, covering a vast range of Apple products operating with 3G capability.
TOT Power Control is a Spain-based intellectual property firm established by inventor and engineer Álvaro López-Medrano. The company focuses on essential wireless communication technologies and has been actively defending its IP rights globally.
Apple responded to the verdict with disappointment, stating it will pursue an appeal. The company has a long history of defending itself in patent infringement suits, particularly around standard-essential patents (SEPs)—those considered fundamental to wireless communication standards like 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Pattern of Patent Disputes for Apple
This ruling adds to a string of legal challenges Apple is currently facing related to SEPs:
In May 2025, a UK court ordered Apple to pay £402 million (approximately $502 million) to Optis Cellular Technology in a separate 4G patent dispute.
In another U.S. case involving Optis, Apple had a $300 million jury verdict overturned after a federal appeals court ruled there were errors in jury instructions.
These cases reflect ongoing tensions between major tech companies and patent holders over FRAND terms—agreements that require essential patent licensing to be fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory.
Legal and Industry Implications
The ruling reinforces the importance of upholding SEP licensing terms, especially as global tech firms continue to leverage wireless standards in their devices. Analysts suggest the outcome could embolden more patent holders to litigate, particularly in the U.S., where damages can scale significantly.
While $110 million is a modest sum for Apple—whose annual revenues exceed $380 billion—it underscores the financial risks associated with failing to secure or honor licensing deals for standard wireless technologies.
The case also highlights the growing assertiveness of non-U.S. companies, like TOT Power Control, in pursuing patent enforcement across international jurisdictions.
This article is based on publicly available news sources and legal filings related to the Apple vs TOT Power Control patent case. All facts have been verified as of the time of publication. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.