ITC Boots Google Patents, Frees Sonos in Audio Player Showdown
Published Date: 4/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission reviewed a case where Google claimed Sonos infringed on its audio player patents. The Commission decided the patents were invalid, so no violation happened, and the investigation is now officially over. This means Sonos is off the hook, and the case wraps up with no penalties or import bans.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Patents invalidated; Sonos investigation closed
On April 8, 2025 the U.S. International Trade Commission adopted the ALJ's finding that the asserted claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,593,330 and 10,134,398 are invalid because the claim term "low power mode" is indefinite. The investigation (instituted September 15, 2022) is terminated with a finding of no violation of section 337, relieving Sonos, the named respondent, of section 337 liability in this matter.
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