\n<\/p>\n
Sonos has been running a years-long, misleading campaign against helpful features in our Google Home devices and smart speaker devices on spurious patent grounds.<\/p>\n
On Friday, a federal judge ruled firmly in favor of our products, rejecting two of Sonos\u2019 patents, building on previous rulings that invalidated the asserted claims from another two of Sonos\u2019 patents. The decision shows the weakness of a central plank of Sonos\u2019 campaign. The court stated that Sonos\u2019 patents are both invalid \u2014 meaning they never should have been granted in the first place \u2014 and unenforceable, and affirmed that we developed the technology first and independently.<\/p>\n
The court\u2019s decision to dismiss Sonos\u2019 claims wholesale speaks for itself:<\/p>\n
This decision is good news for our users who will once again be able to seamlessly group and integrate Google smart speakers, and for continued innovation of new features across the industry.<\/p>\n
However, it’s an unfortunate reminder of how aggressive actors are increasingly abusing the patent system, wasting time and resources. \u201cIt is wrong that our patent system was used in this way,\u201d the Court wrote. \u201cWith its constitutional underpinnings, this system is intended to promote and protect innovation. Here, by contrast, it was used to punish an innovator and to enrich a pretender by delay and sleight of hand. It has taken a full trial to learn this sad fact, but, at long last, a measure of justice is done.\u201d<\/p>\n
As we have long argued, the patent system is in need of reform to protect inventors while promoting innovation. For example, the United States Patent and Trademark Office needs more funding so that it can keep up with advancing technology, and dedicate the time that is needed to examine increasingly complex patents. The Patent Office should also require those applying for a patent to better explain their patent document and claims. Patent examination is a two-way street, and patent applicants need to do their part as well.<\/p>\n
With reforms like these, we can avoid costly litigation that slows down innovation, raises litigation costs, wastes the courts\u2019 time and resources, and, most importantly, harms consumers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n