Google Infringes Sonos Speaker Patents, US Regulator Rules

Sonos Wins Patent Dispute Against Google

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has affirmed its agreement with Sonos, confirming that Google infringed upon Sonos’ speaker and cast patents. The initial determination was made in August, and this final ruling now prohibits Google from importing products that violate Sonos’ intellectual property rights.

Given that Google’s manufacturing primarily occurs in China, the import ban, effective in 60 days, will prevent the shipment of affected products to the US market.

Details of the Patent Infringement

Sonos initiated legal action against Google in 2020, citing infringement of five patents. A key patent concerns technology enabling the synchronization of wireless speakers.

The products impacted by the ban include Google Home smart speakers, Pixel phones and computers, and Chromecast streaming devices.

Google’s Response and Mitigation Efforts

Despite the import ban, Google maintains it does not anticipate significant disruption to its import and sales operations. A company spokesperson stated they are seeking further review and will continue to defend against Sonos’ claims.

The USITC has approved Google’s modified product designs, allowing the company to implement alternative solutions.

Changes to Google Speaker Groups

Recently, the Nest team announced alterations to speaker group functionality, attributing the changes to the recent legal decision.

Specifically, users will no longer have the ability to control the volume of all speakers within a group simultaneously; individual volume adjustments will be required.

Sonos’ Perspective on Google’s Actions

Sonos Chief Legal Officer Eddie Lazarus acknowledged the possibility that Google might circumvent the import ban by modifying or removing product features.

However, he emphasized that Google’s products will continue to infringe upon numerous Sonos patents unless licensing royalties are paid.

He further stated that even with design changes, many of Sonos’ patented technologies will still be utilized within Google’s products.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on Engadget.