Sonos wins patent dispute with Google
A judge from the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Santa Barbara based Sonos on Aug. 13, finding that Alphabet Inc’s Google infringed upon five of Sonos’ patents for wireless speakers and related technology.
Judge Charles E. Bullock did not give a reason for the decision but the ruling did find that Google was in violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which is designed to prevent unfair competition.
Sonos shares closed at $39.93 on Aug. 16, the first day of trading after the judge’s ruling, up 4.7% from its previous closing price.
Sonos’ Chief Legal Officer Eddie Lazarus s†aid the company is “pleased” with the ITC’s decision, confirming “Google’s blatant infringement of Sonos’ patented inventions.”
“This decision re-affirms the strength and breadth of our portfolio, marking a promising milestone in our long-term pursuit to defend our innovation against misappropriation by Big Tech monopolies,” Lazarus said in a statement obtained by the Business Times.
Sonos added that this is “a huge milestone,” but only the first step in a lengthy battle.
The Aug. 13 ruling is subject to review by the full ITC, scheduled for Dec. 13 according to the commission’s website.
