Samsung Faces $117.7 Million Patent Penalty in US Ruling

A US federal jury has ordered Samsung to pay $117.7 million for infringing on three patents owned by Japanese tech firm Maxell, according to The Korea Herald . The verdict was delivered at the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas , where it was determined that Samsung used patented technologies without authorization in its Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and other devices.

The disputed patents relate to core smartphone functions, including device unlocking mechanisms, digital data management, and media playback systems .

Samsung has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision, which is common in such high-stakes patent cases.

Maxell, once best known for its iconic audio cassette tapes and the famous “Blown Away Guy” ads, began as a battery manufacturer — with its name derived from “Maximum capacity dry cell.” Over time, the company shifted focus toward industrial components, though it still produces consumer electronics like batteries and projectors.

The legal battle between the two companies officially began in September 2023 , when Maxell filed a lawsuit accusing Samsung of violating seven patents across a range of products, including SmartThings devices, smartphones, laptops, and home appliances.

Interestingly, the two companies had previously been partners: in 2011, Samsung signed a 10-year licensing agreement with Hitachi Consumer Electronics (a predecessor to Maxell), covering ten patents. That deal expired in 2021. Maxell claims Samsung continued using the protected technology afterward and refused to negotiate a new agreement, leaving litigation as the only recourse.

In addition to the Texas case, Maxell is also pursuing legal action against Samsung in Germany, Japan , and before the US International Trade Commission , and even filed a second patent lawsuit in Texas earlier this year.