Apple gets a lot of flack for being pretty litigious when it comes to the company’s IP portfolio. Whether we’re talking about software patents or design trademarks, it always seems like Apple can come up with a reason to sue any number of the major smartphone and tablet players. While you could argue that the blame lies on the state of the patent and trademark systems, rather than Apple itself, anyone who’s grown frustrated with seeing what Apple gets away with in the courtroom might find some satisfaction in the latest verdict to involve its business, upon the company being ordered to pay $368 million in a patent dispute over technologies used for FaceTime.

A company called VirnetX holds dozens of patents related to telecommunications, including some which apply to Apple’s implementation of FaceTime. Apple’s not the only company to clash swords with VirnetX, as Microsoft found itself on the hook for a similar $200m settlement just a couple years back.

Apple’s got the cash to spare, and while this judgment is ultimately going to be of little consequence to Apple and iOS, it’s still expected to appeal the ruling.

Source: Financial Times
Via: BGR