Google hit Sonos with two lawsuits on Monday, claiming patent infringement on seven completely different applied sciences related to good audio system, as a part of its ongoing battle with the audio {hardware} biz over mental property.
Each firms beforehand collaborated on constructing software program to assist audio gadgets, however their relationship soured when Sonos cried foul play two years in the past, alleging Google had copied 5 of its patents after the search large launched its voice-activated speaker Google Dwelling. The patents describe how good audio system can wirelessly play music throughout completely different rooms.
Google, in return, countersued and claimed Sonos had, in truth, stolen IP from 5 of its patents referring to content material availability search, noise management, and extra.
Sonos reacted by submitting yet one other lawsuit, claiming Google had truly ripped off greater than 5 of its patents over years. America’s Worldwide Commerce Fee sided with speaker biz in its unique lawsuit, and agreed Google had infringed 5 of Sonos IP filings. Engineers at Google scrambled to make software program adjustments to its merchandise to skirt the decide’s resolution banning imported gadgets constructed on Sonos’ know-how into the US.
Google is not letting the matter relaxation, nonetheless, and has determined to sue Sonos once more. The 2 lawsuits filed to the District Courtroom of Northern California in San Francisco, declare its rivals have infringed upon US Patent Numbers: 10,593,330, 10,134,398, and 7,705,565 in a single criticism [PDF], and 11,024,311, 9,812,128, 9,632,748, and 11,050,615 within the different [PDF]. These patents cowl a spread of functions, starting from wi-fi charging to hotword detection to audio enter monitoring.
Google mentioned it was “proud” of its “multi-year partnership” with the good speaker biz, and it even made its digital Google Assistant out there on Sonos’ audio system. “Sonos has made false claims in regards to the firms’ shared work and Google’s know-how within the lawsuits that Sonos filed in opposition to Google. Whereas Google not often sues different firms for patent infringement, it should assert its mental property rights right here”, it alleged.
“Somewhat than compete on the premise of innovation and product high quality, Sonos has determined to compete within the courtroom, and began an aggressive and deceptive marketing campaign in opposition to our merchandise, on the expense of our shared clients,” José Castañeda, a Google spokesperson instructed The Register. :We choose innovation to litigation however their actions go away us no selection however to defend our know-how and problem Sonos’s clear, continued infringement of our patents.”
Sonos’ chief authorized officer, Eddie Lazarus, hit again and known as Google’s newest IP theft claims an “intimidation tactic” to retaliate in opposition to the corporate. “Google beforehand sued us all around the world and Sonos has prevailed in each determined case. Against this, the courts have repeatedly validated Sonos’ claims that Google is infringing its core patented good speaker know-how,” he instructed The Register.
“Google’s new lawsuits are an intimidation tactic designed to retaliate in opposition to Sonos for talking out in opposition to Google’s monopolistic practices, keep away from paying Sonos a good royalty for the roughly 200 patents it is presently infringing, and grind down a smaller competitor whose improvements it has misappropriated. It won’t succeed.” ®
