The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation into Apple, Samsung and Google over allegations that the companies used patented audio technology in devices sold or imported into the United States.
The investigation follows a complaint by US audio technology company BoomCloud 360, which alleges that the three technology companies infringed three of its patents covering audio technologies used in smartphones and tablets.
The patents relate to stereo speaker enhancement, dynamic audio processing and spatial audio technology designed to reduce crosstalk and sound distortion.
BoomCloud 360’s complaint covers devices across the three companies’ product portfolios, including Apple’s iPhones, iPads and AirPods, Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones, tablets and Galaxy Buds, and Google’s Pixel handsets and Pixel Buds.
The company is seeking a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders, measures that could affect the sale and import of the affected devices in the US.
However, the ITC has not determined whether Apple, Samsung or Google infringed the patents.
The companies have 20 days to respond after receiving the complaint and notice of investigation. The ITC said it would establish a target date for completing the investigation within 45 days of opening the case.
The three companies are also pursuing separate litigation against BoomCloud 360 in US federal courts.
Apple filed a declaratory action of non-infringement against BoomCloud 360 on 5 August, describing itself as “a pioneer in the design of consumer electronics products” and requesting the relief sought in its complaint.
Google filed a similar action on 18 August, while Samsung Electronics and Samsung Electronics America filed their own declaratory judgment action earlier this month in a California district court.
The court filings provide Apple, Google and Samsung with a separate avenue to challenge BoomCloud 360’s patent claims while the ITC investigation continues.
