UNITED STATES: A California federal judge has ruled in favour of Google in the ongoing patent dispute with Sonos, throwing out the previously imposed USD 32.5 million penalty. The judge, William Alsup, declared Sonos’ multi-room smart speaker patents unenforceable, concurring with Google’s assertion that the smart audio company attempted to blend newer patents with ones dating back to 2006.
U.S. District Judge Alsup remarked, “This was not a case of an inventor leading the industry to something new. This was a case of the industry leading with something new and, only then, an inventor coming out of the woodwork to say that he had come up with the idea first.”
The contested patents, which Sonos alleged were infringed upon by Google, previously led to a jury verdict in Sonos’ favour this past May. However, Judge Alsup took a critical stance, stating, “It is wrong that our patent system was used in this way.”
With its constitutional underpinnings, the system intends to promote and protect innovation. However, in this case, the judge felt that it was used to punish an innovator and enrich a pretender by delay and sleight of hand. Alsup lamented that it took a full trial to learn this sad fact, but he adds that justice is done.
Despite the decisive ruling, Sonos remains resolute in its position. A spokesperson for the company conveyed to the media that they believe the decision is “wrong on both the facts and the law,” signalling their intention to continue the legal battle. The latest development highlights the intensity of the patent dispute, with both tech giants poised for further legal manoeuvring in the days ahead.
Also Read: Roger Federer Pledges to Never Be a Stranger to the Tour, Even in Retirement
