Google: Bad cards in patent dispute with Sonos

Google: Bad cards in patent dispute with Sonos

San Francisco, Jan. 12, 2022

Google has infringed on patents for Sonos smart speakers. That’s what the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled, potentially forcing Google to stop importing its products that use the technology.

The patents relate to volume adjustment, audio syncing and Wi-Fi connectivity. President Biden has 60 days to sign off on the ruling, which upheld a judge’s 2021 decision, or issue a rare veto.

The ITC, a U.S. trade agency, ruled that Google must stop importing products that use technology from five Sonos patents. This could potentially affect Google Home speakers, Chromecast devices and Pixel smartphones.

However, Google stressed that no impact on its imports or sales is expected.

The company has redesigned its products so they do not infringe the patents, a spokesperson said.

During the presidential review period, Google can make pre-approved software changes to get around the import ban. Google should „pay a fair royalty for the technologies it has appropriated,“ argued Eddie Lazarus, chief legal officer of Sonos.