TLDR: Google and Sonos had a patent dispute regarding the voice control feature of Google Home speakers. Google accused Sonos of using deceptive business practices, and the court agreed with Google. The court found that Sonos’ patent claim was invalid and awarded victory to Google. As a result, Google announced its victory and reinstated the voice control feature for Nest speakers.
In a patent case between Google and Sonos, there have been advancements in the voice control feature of Google Home speakers. Google filed a lawsuit claiming that Sonos’ patent infringement was a deceptive tactic in the business realm. The court sided with Google’s argument against Sonos.
Google’s counterargument stated that both companies had previously collaborated on speaker development back in 2014. However, the deal fell through, and Google launched its own speakers in 2015. Sonos, on the other hand, waited until 2019 to file a patent infringement lawsuit against Google. Furthermore, Sonos only started using the voice control feature protected by this patent on its own speakers in 2020.
The court concluded that Sonos’ litigation strategy was not in line with the purpose of the patent system, which is to protect innovation creators. Instead, Sonos’ actions were seen as an attempt to harm innovation creators. Consequently, the court invalidated Sonos’ patent, rendering it null and void.
Google claimed victory and also reintroduced the voice control feature for Nest speakers, which had been temporarily disabled earlier in 2022.
Source: Google, Nest, 9to5google
Leave a Comment