A federal jury in Delaware has ordered Google to pay $15.1 million to Personal Audio LLC, a patent holding company, for infringing two patents related to audio software.

The patents in question cover methods for downloading, navigating, and editing playlists. Personal Audio argued that Google's music app, Google Play Music, infringed these patents.

The jury found that Google willfully infringed the patents, which could lead to a judge increasing the award by up to three times the verdict amount. Google has said that it plans to appeal the verdict.

This is not the first time that Google has been found to have infringed audio patents. In 2014, a jury ordered Google to pay $1.9 billion to VirnetX, another patent-holding company. Google eventually settled that case for $940 million.

The latest verdict is a reminder of the risks that companies face when they use patented technology without permission. It is also a sign that the courts are taking patent infringement seriously.

The verdict could have a significant impact on Google's music business. Google Play Music is one of the most popular music streaming services in the world, and it is likely that the company will have to make changes to its app in order to comply with the verdict.

It is also possible that the verdict could lead to other companies suing Google for infringing audio patents. This could make it more difficult for Google to compete in the music streaming market.

Google has said that it is "disappointed" with the verdict and that it plans to appeal. However, the verdict is a significant setback for the company, and it is unclear how the appeal will be resolved.

In the meantime, the verdict is a reminder that companies need to be careful when they use patented technology. If they do not have a license to use the technology, they could face significant legal consequences.

Potential Impact of the Verdict

The verdict could have a number of potential impacts on Google, including:

• Google may have to make changes to its music app, Google Play Music, in order to comply with the verdict.
   
• Google may face other lawsuits from companies that claim that Google has infringed their audio patents.
   
• The verdict could make it more difficult for Google to compete in the music streaming market.
  It is still too early to say what the full impact of the verdict will be. However, it is clear that the verdict is a significant setback for Google.

What's Next?

Google has said that it plans to appeal the verdict. The appeal process could take several years. In the meantime, Google will likely continue to operate Google Play Music as it is currently configured.

It is also possible that Google could reach a settlement with Personal Audio. However, it is unclear if Personal Audio would be willing to settle for less than the $15.1 million that it was awarded by the jury.

The verdict is a significant setback for Google, but it is not the end of the story. The appeal process could have a major impact on the outcome of the case. It is also possible that Google could reach a settlement with Personal Audio. Only time will tell how the case will ultimately be resolved.