ITC Import Ban Would ‘Far Exceed’ Scope of Sonos Multiroom Audio Patents, Says Google

The “sweeping remedial orders” that Sonos asked the International Trade Commission to impose against Google (see 2001230001) “would remove from the stream of commerce products and functionalities that far exceed the scope” of the multiroom audio patents Sonos alleges were infringed, commented Google (login required) in ITC docket 337-3428. The products on which Sonos seeks an import ban “contain thousands of features beyond playing music on multiroom audio systems,” it said. Google smart speakers “allow users to control over 30,000 smart home devices, including in-home security systems, cameras, lights, switches, plugs, thermostats, and many other devices, using voice commands,” it said. They provide “significant benefits to users, particularly those with disabilities,” none of which “implicates any claimed invention” of the patents Sonos alleges were infringed, it said. Sonos also gave no evidence to back its “bare assertion” that smart speaker prices would rise only slightly from an import ban, said Google. Low price is “the most important factor for US consumers in purchasing a voice-controlled smart speaker,” and an import ban would harm the public interest if prices increased significantly, it said. Sonos didn't file a response.