Sonos sues Google for allegedly stealing patented tech

It only took seven days, but we've got the first big tech fight of 2020 on our hands.

While the entire tech world is in Las Vegas for CES, Sonos sued Google for patent infringement, The New York Times reported. The speaker company claims Google stole Sonos tech to power its own popular wireless speakers, after the two corporations started working together in 2013.

As the Times pointed out, Google had not yet started producing its own speakers at that point. Sonos gave Google a close look at its speaker tech following a partnership that allowed Google's music tech to work on Sonos speakers. Since then, Google has nurtured a line of popular smart speakers like the Nest Mini while Sonos has sold a slightly more niche product.

Sonos not only wants Google to pay damages, but the company also registered a complaint with the International Trade Commission asking for a ban on the sale of some Google products that allegedly infringed upon Sonos patents. According to the Times, Sonos has been trying to talk to Google about possible infringement since 2016, only deciding to sue now as something of a last resort.

“Over the years, we have had numerous ongoing conversations with Sonos about both companies' IP rights and we are disappointed that Sonos brought these lawsuits instead of continuing negotiations in good faith," a Google spokesperson told Mashable. "We dispute these claims and will defend them vigorously.”

In a statement provided to Mashable, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence said Google has been difficult to work with regarding a solution to possible patent infringement over the years.

"Google is an important partner with whom we have collaborated successfully for years, including bringing the Google Assistant to the Sonos platform last year.  However, Google has been blatantly and knowingly copying our patented technology in creating its audio products," Spence said.  "Despite our repeated & extensive efforts over the last few years, Google has not shown any willingness to work with us on a mutually beneficial solution. We’re left with no choice but to litigate in the interest of protecting our inventions, our customers, and the spirit of innovation that’s defined Sonos from the beginning."

Interestingly, Sonos also has beef with Amazon for the same thing, but decided to sue Google because taking on both tech giants would be too heavy a burden to bear. A recent Canalys report estimated that Amazon's Alexa-powered smart speakers have nearly three times the market share of Google's equivalent, though both are popular in their own right.

“The Echo family of devices and our multi-room music technology were developed independently by Amazon," an Amazon spokesperson told Mashable. "Our focus is on building the best possible experience for our customers and partners building with Alexa. In fact, The Alexa flywheel is helping to generate billions of dollars for the Alexa developer and device maker community.”

Feuding with both Google and Amazon could be tricky for Sonos. It's not nearly as big as either company, of course, but the larger issue is that Google's industry-leading advertising network and Amazon's ubiquitous e-commerce business might be able to make or break Sonos sales.

In other words, Sonos might be biting one or both of the hands that feed it. But (alleged) infringement is (alleged) infringement, so maybe it'll work out in the speaker company's favor.

UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2020, 3:11 p.m. EST Added statement from Amazon.