# Samsung Required to Compensate $192 Million for Appropriating Mojo Mobility’s Wireless Charging Tech
In a pivotal legal conflict, South Korean technology leader Samsung has been mandated by a Texas court to reimburse over $192 million in compensation for violating wireless charging patents held by Mojo Mobility, a technology firm based in California. This decision follows an extended contention that commenced in 2013, when licensing discussions between the two organizations failed, resulting in Samsung reportedly utilizing the patented technology without proper consent.
## **Key Points to Consider**
– A Texas court has instructed Samsung to compensate over $192 million for utilizing Mojo Mobility’s wireless charging technology without authorization.
– Mojo Mobility initially sought to negotiate a licensing arrangement with Samsung in 2013, but the discussions fell apart.
– Nonetheless, Samsung continued to integrate the wireless charging technology into its Galaxy smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds without any licensing agreement.
### **The Legal Dispute: A Chronology of Events**
The conflict between Samsung and Mojo Mobility can be traced back to 2013, when Mojo Mobility, a firm that focuses on wireless power transfer technology, approached Samsung to explore a possible licensing deal. The team from Mojo Mobility, which included the inventor of the wireless charging technology, Afshin Partovi, made multiple visits to Samsung’s South Korean headquarters to negotiate an agreement. However, these discussions ultimately failed, and no consensus was reached.
In spite of the absence of a licensing agreement, Samsung began implementing wireless charging technology into its Galaxy device lineup, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds. Mojo Mobility asserts that Samsung’s wireless charging systems derive from its patented technology, prompting the company to initiate legal action in 2022.
### **Judicial Verdict and Financial Repercussions**
In 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas ruled in favor of Mojo Mobility, concluding that Samsung had infringed on five of the company’s wireless charging patents. The court instructed Samsung to pay $192 million in damages for the infringement, affirming that Samsung used the technology without appropriate licensing, despite being aware of the patents and having engaged in previous negotiations with Mojo Mobility.
The ruling was further supported by the determination that Samsung’s infringement was willful, which could lead to even larger financial penalties. Under U.S. patent law, willful infringement may result in the trebling of damages, indicating that Samsung could see a significantly elevated financial liability if the court opts to apply such an action.
### **Samsung’s Reaction and Legal Tactics**
Samsung has responded robustly to the ruling. The company contends that the patents involved are not valid and even launched a countersuit against Mojo Mobility in 2023 in efforts to annul the patents. However, this attempt was unsuccessful, and the court reaffirmed the legitimacy of Mojo Mobility’s patents.
In an earlier trial conducted in January 2024, a jury initially awarded Mojo Mobility $67.5 million in damages, in addition to a recurring royalty of $1.50 for every Galaxy phone that violated the patents. However, the judge found the jury’s comprehension of the royalty structure—especially the distinction between “running royalties” and “lump-sum royalties”—to be misguided, resulting in a retrial and the eventual $192 million verdict.
### **Possible Effects on Samsung Devices**
Should Samsung fail to adhere to the court’s decision and remit the damages, the company could encounter serious repercussions. One potential consequence is that Samsung might be compelled to eliminate wireless charging functionality from its devices, including its widely-used Galaxy smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds. This would represent a significant setback for Samsung, as wireless charging has emerged as a critical feature in its product range.
Moreover, the ruling could have wider ramifications on Samsung’s forthcoming product innovations. The company may need to explore alternative wireless charging methods or engage in negotiations for a licensing agreement with Mojo Mobility to persist in using the technology within its products.
### **A Trend of Patent Infringement?**
This is not an isolated incident for Samsung concerning legal disputes over patent infringement. In April 2024, the same Texas court compelled Samsung to pay $142 million in an unrelated case concerning 5G patent infringement. The East Texas court has become a favorable forum for patent litigation, especially for disputes involving major tech corporations such as Samsung.
The ongoing series of legal challenges underscores the difficulties faced by tech giants in maneuvering through the intricate landscape of intellectual property. As companies strive to innovate and create new technologies, the likelihood of patent conflicts remains elevated, particularly in sectors like consumer electronics where competition is intense, and technological advancements are brisk.
### **Final Thoughts**
The $192 million ruling against Samsung signifies a notable triumph for Mojo Mobility and emphasizes the significance of intellectual property rights in the technology sector. While Samsung has pledged to contest the ruling, the case serves as a reminder that even the most prominent tech corporations are not shielded from the repercussions of patent infringement.
As the legal confrontation ensues, it is uncertain whether Samsung will ultimately comply with the damages owed or
