Google Sues Sonos Over Voice Control Technology (cnet.com) 17
In two lawsuits (PDF) filed today in California, Google alleges that Sonos' latest voice-assistant technology violates seven patents related to Google Assistant. CNET reports: Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said Sonos has "started an aggressive and misleading campaign against our products, at the expense of our shared customers." As a result, he said, the lawsuits have been filed to "defend our technology and challenge Sonos' clear, continued infringement of our patents." Sonos launched its own voice assistant in June, allowing customers to control their speakers using voice commands starting with the phrase "Hey Sonos."
Google said in the lawsuits that it has made its technologies available to users across the globe, "even providing its Google Assistant software to Sonos for many years." The suits also said Google has for years worked with Sonos engineers on the "implementation of voice recognition and voice-activated device controls in Sonos' products." Google requests an unspecified amount of monetary damages and an injunction blocking Sonos' alleged infringement. Last year, the International Trade Commission ruled that Google infringed on five patents owned by Sonos, forcing Google to change the way its smart speakers are set up and controlled.
"Google previously sued us all over the world and Sonos has prevailed in every decided case," Eddie Lazarus, Sonos' chief legal officer, told CNET, adding that the new lawsuits "are an intimidation tactic designed to retaliate against Sonos for speaking out against Google's monopolistic practices," which "will not succeed."
Google said in the lawsuits that it has made its technologies available to users across the globe, "even providing its Google Assistant software to Sonos for many years." The suits also said Google has for years worked with Sonos engineers on the "implementation of voice recognition and voice-activated device controls in Sonos' products." Google requests an unspecified amount of monetary damages and an injunction blocking Sonos' alleged infringement. Last year, the International Trade Commission ruled that Google infringed on five patents owned by Sonos, forcing Google to change the way its smart speakers are set up and controlled.
"Google previously sued us all over the world and Sonos has prevailed in every decided case," Eddie Lazarus, Sonos' chief legal officer, told CNET, adding that the new lawsuits "are an intimidation tactic designed to retaliate against Sonos for speaking out against Google's monopolistic practices," which "will not succeed."
Re: (Score:1)
Do you jerk off to this fantasy of yours every time you spew it onto a Slashdot thread?
No More Patents (Score:1)
Google alleges that Sonos' latest voice-assistant technology violates seven patents related to Google Assistant.
There is no way that Google Assistant contains seven legitimate inventions that meet the standard of "novel and non-obvious" that is supposed to be applied to patent applications. At least 90% of all patents issued are bullshit.
Re:No More Patents (Score:5, Interesting)
There is no way that Google Assistant contains seven legitimate inventions that meet the standard of "novel and non-obvious" that is supposed to be applied to patent applications. At least 90% of all patents issued are bullshit.
The Sonos patents are also bullshit. Sonos sued Google for a patent on controlling the volume on multiple devices simultaneously. If you sue about bullshit patents, expect to be counter-sued about bullshit patents.
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This is the way. Tee-hee!
Re: No More Patents (Score:1)
https://slashdot.org/thread/62... [slashdot.org]> Deja-vu?
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Spy versus spy. (Score:2)
Oh, look! Bad company #1 is fighting bad company #2! And vice versa. The drama must equal, or at least approach the boastful speeches from the wrestling professionals. At least, one of those may be entertaining.
Re: (Score:1)
proprietary crap vs proprietary crap, no one wins in the end
Google so stupid ... SEO hacks Google itself! (Score:2)
Now same thing gives you a bunch of links to youtube videos and on line timers! why the hell I want an on line timer? How can people game its algorithms to over ride a native app in the phone? "59 minute timer please" "61 minute timer please" launch the app, but not 60.
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Now same thing gives you a bunch of links to youtube videos and on line timers!
Wow, I can't believe that's a thing [youtube.com].
Mess with the best die like the rest (Score:2)
I managed to sucker punch a kraken and take some of its treasure. Now its slimy tentacles closing in on me and my ship! Outrageous!! How can it be so mean? What did I ever do to deserve this?
OK (Score:2)