Why Google’s ‘Sonos trouble’ may be bad news for Amazon – Times of India

Google got itself into hot waters last year after audio brand Sonos dragged it to court for stealing patented features from Sonos speakers to make Google Home smart speakers. Compared to Google’s trillion dollar empire, Sonos is a small fry with a valuation of around $5 billion. Despite this Sonos is making Google sweat as the US International Trade Commission is siding with Sonos which may lead to a ban on Google’s smart speakers.
So, how is Amazon involved in this Sonos versus Google fight? Sonos has claimed that even Amazon is using some technologies made by Sonos to power its Echo range of smart speakers. While Sonos is focusing on Google for now, there may be a possibility that it may come after Amazon too.
When it comes to smart speakers, Sonos was among the first to introduce internet connected speakers. But to survive in the market, Sonos was forced to add Google Play Music support and other Google services. Both Google and Sonos worked together to create speakers back in 2013. But after Google introduced its Google Home smart speakers in 2016, Sonos claims that Google copied hardware features from Sonos speakers as Google had managed to get a peak into its innovation while working with the company to add Google services.
The court has now found that Google has indeed infringed on five patents and “blatantly and knowingly” copied technology from Sonos to power speakers with Google Assistant. Google, of course, is denying this.
If the court finally rules against Google, then the Google Home range of smart speakers may get banned.
As for Amazon, reports claim that Sonos had worked with Amazon to integrate Alexa support, and Amazon may have copied some tech from it as well. And after fighting Google, Amazon may be next.
In a statement to TechCrunch, Sonos Chief Legal Officer, Eddie Lazarus, said, The ALJ has found all five of Sonos’ asserted patents to be valid and that Google infringes on all five patents. We are pleased the ITC has confirmed 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.”