However, in January of this year, the US International Trade Commission found that Google violated five Sonos patents involving techniques for synchronizing audio playback, a way of pairing speakers to create stereo sounds, adjusting the volume of the speaker individually or in groups at the same time, as well as how to connect the system to a home Wi-Fi network.
Following the decision, Google had to remove some capabilities from its speakers, such as adjusting the volume of a group of speakers at the same time, something that annoyed users of its smart speakers.
“Google may sacrifice the consumer experience in an attempt to circumvent this import ban, its products will continue to infringe many dozens of Sonos patents, its wrongdoing will persist, and the damages owed to Sonos will continue to accumulate,” the Google-based company said in January. Santa Barbara, Calif.
At that time, Castañeda stated that they did not expect any impact on their ability to import or sell their products after the Commission’s determination; however, now Google does seek to harm Sonos imports.