Apple Wins Major Legal Victory Against Optis Wireless in 4G Patent Dispute

Jury rejects Optis' claims that Apple infringed on 4G wireless patents, calling it an "attempt to obtain an excessive payout"

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Apple Inc. has secured a major legal victory after a Texas jury rejected claims from Optis Wireless that the iPhone maker infringed on its 4G wireless patents. This is the latest development in an ongoing dispute between the two companies, with previous rulings in favor of Optis being overturned on appeal. Apple has maintained that Optis, which does not make any products, is simply attempting to extract excessive payouts through repeated lawsuits.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between tech giants and patent-holding companies, often referred to as "patent trolls", over the use of standardized wireless technologies. The outcome is significant for Apple, as it avoids potentially massive damages that could have impacted the company's bottom line. It also sends a message about the limits of patent assertion tactics aimed at obtaining outsized payouts from successful product makers.

The details

The dispute between Apple and Optis Wireless began in 2019, when Optis sued Apple, alleging the iPhone maker failed to properly license 4G LTE technology patents owned by Optis. Previous juries had awarded Optis $506 million in 2020 and $300 million in 2021, but both decisions were later overturned on appeal. In the latest trial in Marshall, Texas, the jury sided with Apple, rejecting Optis' claims. An Apple spokesperson stated that the company was "pleased they rejected Optis' false claims", and accused Optis of "an attempt to obtain an excessive payout" through repeated lawsuits.

  • In 2019, Optis Wireless sued Apple, alleging the iPhone maker failed to properly license 4G LTE technology patents.
  • In 2020, a jury awarded Optis $506 million in the case, but the decision was later overturned on appeal.
  • In 2021, a retrial resulted in a $300 million award for Optis, which was also overturned on appeal.
  • On February 13, 2026, a Texas jury sided with Apple, rejecting Optis' claims.

The players

Apple Inc.

An American multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.

Optis Wireless

A Texas-based company that owns patents related to the 4G LTE wireless standard and has sued multiple tech companies, including Apple, for allegedly infringing on those patents.

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What they’re saying

“We thank the jury for their time and we're pleased they rejected Optis' false claims.”

— Apple spokesperson (Reuters)

“Optis makes no products and its sole business is to sue companies, which it has done repeatedly to Apple in an attempt to obtain an excessive payout.”

— Apple spokesperson (Reuters)

What’s next

Separately, a U.K. court ruled last year that Apple owes Optis $502 million for infringing related patents. Apple has appealed, and the U.K. Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in June.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between tech companies and patent-holding firms, often referred to as "patent trolls", over the use of standardized technologies. Apple's victory sends a message about the limits of aggressive patent assertion tactics aimed at extracting large payouts from successful product makers, rather than promoting innovation.