Sonos Hails Big Tech Report, Citing 'Chintzy Products' at 'Bargain Basement Prices'

Sonos applauds the House Antitrust Subcommittee Democratic staff report Tuesday for recommending Congress should consider legislation on abuse of market power in the digital economy (see 2010060062), emailed a spokesperson Wednesday. The report came a week after Sonos filed its second lawsuit against Google (see 2009290037) for infringement of five additional patents for its latest smart speaker launch (see 2009300062). “The House report vindicates Sonos’ belief that big tech routinely engages in practices that stifle innovation, artificially extend their monopolies and harm consumers,” said Sonos Chief Legal Officer Eddie Lazarus in a statement. Big tech companies “copy other peoples' inventions, flood the market with chintzy products sold at bargain basement prices, and make consumers pay with their privacy. Congress has our support as they pursue a legislative package that reigns in this destructive behavior.” Sonos has made "misleading statements about our history of working together," emailed Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda Thursday. "Our technology and devices were designed independently. We deny their claims vigorously, and will be defending against them.” Google supports Congress "focusing on areas where clearer laws would help consumers," said Castaneda.