Headwater Scores Back-to-Back Wins Against Verizon and Samsung in Patent Battles

Headwater Scores Back-to-Back Wins Against Verizon and Samsung in Patent Battles

A federal jury in Marshall, Texas has ordered U.S. telecom giant Verizon Wireless to pay $175 million in damages for infringing wireless communication technology patents owned by Headwater Research LLC. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, July 23, marking another major legal victory for the Tyler, Texas-based research firm.

Headwater, founded by scientist and inventor Gregory Raleigh, says its patented technology allows wireless devices to reduce data usage, ease network congestion, extend battery life, and help users stay connected. According to its lawsuit, Headwater shared the innovations with Verizon under a non-disclosure agreement between 2009 and 2011, but later discovered that Verizon had allegedly used the technology in its mobile phones, tablets, and cellular networks without permission.

A Verizon spokesperson said the verdict was “simply not supported by the facts” and confirmed the company plans to appeal. Attorneys for Headwater did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the decision.

Earlier Win Against Samsung Adds to Headwater’s Momentum

This decision follows closely on the heels of another victory for Headwater. Just months ago, a separate jury in the same Marshall, Texas court ordered Samsung Electronics to pay $278.7 million for infringing two of Headwater’s wireless patents. Headwater claimed Samsung illegally used its innovations in its Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Samsung denied the allegations, arguing the patents were invalid, but the jury ruled in Headwater’s favor.

Growing IP Battles in Texas

These high-stakes cases underscore the significance of Marshall, Texas, as a hotbed for complex patent litigation. Together, they represent nearly $454 million in damages awarded to Headwater in its fight to defend its patented wireless technologies.