Samsung, Apple and Google face a US probe over spatial audio patents

The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has opened a Section 337 investigation into products from three tech giants — Samsung, Apple and Google — reports SammyGuru.

A complaint filed in mid-August

The investigation follows a complaint from California-based BoomCloud 360, filed on August 14. The company claims all three makers infringe its patents related to spatial audio, a technology that has become central to headphones, earbuds and soundbars.

What the US tech industry is facing

A Section 337 investigation can lead to an import ban on the accused products if infringement is confirmed. At this stage the USITC is only examining the complaint: no ruling has been made, but the case is now open.

Spatial audio is a recurring battleground between makers, each with its own formats (Apple's Spatial Audio, Samsung's 360 Audio, and compatible formats on Google devices).

Sources: SammyGuru — Samsung, Apple, Google Face New Patent Fight In The US