Sonos sues Google for allegedly swiping speaker tech

Sonos is taking aim at Google. Photo / Getty Images

Sonos alleged in two federal lawsuits Tuesday that Google swiped its speaker technology to create its own, seeking a halt on further sales of speakers and other devices that contain the hardware as well as financial penalties.

In the suits, filed with the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and the U.S. International Trade Commission, Sonos claims Google co-opted patented technology that allows for its speakers to work in multiple rooms and put it to use in its own speakers including the Google Home and Pixel devices and the discontinued Chromecast Audio. Google gained access to Sonos' technology through a partnership begun in 2013 allowing Sonos' speakers to work with Google Play Music, according to the suits.

"Google has not merely copied Sonos's patented technology, it has also subsidized the prices of its patent infringing products, including at the entry level, and flooded the market," according to one of the suits. "These actions have caused significant damage to Sonos."

Google denied the allegations and said it would "vigorously" defend itself in court. "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," said a spokesman, Jose Castaneda.

The lawsuits were reported earlier by The New York Times.

The suits speak to the increasingly symbiotic relationship of technology firms. While fiercely competitive, they are often compelled to work closely with another to promote or sell their goods, something unthinkable in older line industries such as autos.

Sonos' actions add to an increasingly challenging slate for new Google-parent CEO Sundar Pichai who was promoted late last year. The company is facing antitrust probes from U.S. federal and state regulators as well as scrutiny over its planned acquisition of fitness tracker Fitbit.

The speaker maker claims in the suits that Google infringed on five of its patents and it is seeking as-yet unspecified damages.

Sonos grew in popularity due to its wireless speakers that could be easily controlled to play in multiple rooms at once from a single digital player. But it was soon challenged by a host of lower-priced rivals, including from Google.

Tuesday's suits mark the second time in recent months that Sonos has sued over alleged patent infringement. In June, it filed a lawsuit against speaker maker Lenbrook, which makes speakers and other audio products, claiming it stole technology while working as a distributor for Sonos.

That case is still pending.

- Washington Post