A certain company, BoomCloud 360, challenges the three major technology giants. Apple, Google and Samsung are involved in a new patent lawsuit in the United States, the outcome of which may affect the ability of devices such as AirPods 5 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra to be sold in the United States.
Image source: apple.com
The U.S. International Trade Commission has launched an investigation into products from Apple, Google and Samsung that support spatial audio playback. The complaint was filed by BoomCloud 360, a California company specializing in audio technology: the initial appeal to the USITC dates back to August 14, followed by an additional appeal on August 31.
The document discusses three patents describing spatial sound technology. These cover aspects such as gain control of spatial and non-spatial components, compensation of asymmetries between loudspeakers, and handling of crosstalk to correct the spectral distortion it causes.
BoomCloud 360 is asking the USITC to issue an import restriction and cease-and-desist order, which could prohibit the import and sale of the equipment in the United States. This is a serious step given that Apple, Google and Samsung are the largest consumer electronics manufacturers, and the restrictive measures could affect a variety of devices including headphones, smartphones and TVs.
Just because the ITC is launching an investigation doesn’t mean the companies actually infringed BoomCloud 360’s patents; a lot of time will pass before a decision is made. In addition, Apple, Google and Samsung have filed counterclaims against BoomCloud 360 in U.S. federal court.
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