A jury has ordered Google to pay Sonos $32.5 million in damages for infringing one of its smart speaker patents. The verdict marks a significant development in a long-standing legal battle between the two tech companies that has spanned more than three years and multiple lawsuits.
The case was filed in a San Francisco court in 2019 by Sonos, which alleged that Google had infringed on its patents for smart speakers. Sonos claimed that Google had used its patented technology in its Google Home and Chromecast products without permission. The technology in question allows smart speakers to synchronize and play music across different rooms and audio devices.
The jury verdict awarded Sonos $2.30 for each of the more than 14 million Google devices that were sold incorporating the patented technology. The jury found that Google had not infringed a second patent at issue in the case.
The verdict is a significant win for Sonos, which has been locked in a legal battle with Google since 2018. Sonos had accused Google of copying its technology and undercutting its prices, leading to a decline in Sonos’ market share. The jury’s decision to award damages to Sonos could help the company regain some of its market share and strengthen its position in the smart speaker market.
The verdict could also have wider implications for the tech industry, as it highlights the importance of intellectual property and patents in the highly competitive world of technology. As companies continue to develop innovative products and technologies, legal battles over patents and intellectual property are likely to become increasingly common.
The verdict in the Sonos vs. Google case is a significant development in a long-standing legal battle between the two companies. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, as it highlights the importance of intellectual property and patents in the highly competitive world of technology.
