Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
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TL;DR
- The USITC is investigating Samsung, Apple, and Google concerning Spatial Audio patent issues.
- This could lead to an import ban on their devices equipped with spatial audio features in the US.
- The complaint was lodged by BoomCloud 360, which claims these companies violated three of its patents.
Samsung, Apple, and Google are involved in a new patent dispute that may impact the availability of their devices, including the upcoming AirPods 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, in the US market.
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated a Section 337 investigation focused on Apple, Samsung, and Google’s products featuring spatial audio technology. The complaint was originally filed by BoomCloud 360, an audio tech firm based in California, on August 14, followed by a supplementary filing on August 31.
This investigation, officially designated as 337-TA-1521, examines three patents from BoomCloud 360 related to spatial audio processing. The USITC’s notice highlights that these patents involve methods for adjusting gain in spatial and non-spatial audio, addressing speaker asymmetries, and processing crosstalk with remedial measures for its spectral faults.
BoomCloud 360 seeks a Limited Exclusion Order and cease-and-desist orders, which could prohibit the import and sale of implicated devices in the US. This situation is particularly notable, given that Apple, Google, and Samsung are major players in the consumer tech arena, potentially impacting their smartphones, earbuds, and televisions.
However, it’s important to emphasize that the commencement of an investigation by the USITC does not automatically imply that any of the companies have infringed BoomCloud 360’s patents. It is expected to take some time before a conclusive ruling is made. In the meantime, Samsung, Google, and Apple have initiated lawsuits against BoomCloud 360 in federal courts.
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