Sonos Sues Google for Massive Hardware Ban

Sonos Sues Google for Massive Hardware Ban

Be careful how much you share with your new friends. That is the claim underlying a lawsuit by speaker giant Sonos against Google, which alleges that the search giant is infringing on five of its patents on its speakers (the company believes approximately 100 patents are being infringed).

It also demands a ban on the sale of Google's smart speakers, cell phones, and laptops in the United States. The news comes from the New York Times, which details lawsuits filed in two federal courts, the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and the U.S. International Trade Commission (which can enjoin products from entering the United States if they infringe patents).

Sonos revealed the proverbial secret sauce when it gave Google the blueprint for a collaboration that would bring Google's music service to Sonos speakers. One of the patents infringed was one that allowed synchronization between wireless speakers.

At the time, Google did not manufacture hardware on the scale it does today and did not consider itself at risk.

In a statement, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence said, "Google has blatantly and knowingly copied our patented technology. Despite our repeated and extensive efforts over the last several years, Google has shown no willingness to work with us to come up with a mutually beneficial solution. We have no choice but to file suit." [It is not only Google that Sonos is unhappy with. The article also states that Sonos believes Amazon also stole its speaker technology and used it to sell cheaper speakers than Sonos. The two companies have been working together for years, and Sonos is now challenging Google only because it wants to tackle one of its former friends at a time.

The Times also published a statement from Google spokesman Jose Castaneda, who said that the two companies have been talking about IP for years. Castaneda said, "We are disappointed that Sonos has filed these lawsuits instead of continuing to negotiate in good faith. We challenge these claims and will vigorously defend them."

Castaneda said.

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