Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky
In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit denied Apple Inc.’s request to move a patent infringement lawsuit from the Western District of Texas to the Northern District of California. The case, brought by Resonant Systems, Inc., alleges that several Apple products infringe on four patents related to haptic feedback devices—the technology that makes your phone or watch “buzz” or “tap” in response to touch.
Apple argued that most of the engineers responsible for the “Taptic Engine” (the component at the heart of the dispute) are based in California, making that district a more convenient location for the trial. To support its request, Apple submitted a declaration from a manager overseeing the Taptic Engine team. However, Resonant countered that Apple’s evidence was too narrow, focusing only on the Taptic Engine and ignoring other potentially infringing components—particularly those supplied by Cirrus Logic, a company based in Austin, Texas. Resonant also identified several Cirrus Logic employees in Texas who could be important witnesses.
The district court agreed with Resonant, finding that Apple’s evidence didn’t fully address all the relevant components or witnesses, especially those located in Texas. The court also noted that Apple’s declarations failed to identify specific employees or explain what relevant information they might have. As a result, the judge decided that Texas was a convenient and appropriate venue for the case.
On appeal, the Federal Circuit found no clear abuse of discretion in the district court’s decision. The appeals court emphasized that decisions about where a case should be heard are highly fact-specific and best left to the trial judge, especially when both sides present reasonable arguments about convenience. With this ruling, the patent dispute will continue in Texas.