A local court in Tokyo has ruled that Google infringed on a patent related to LTE connectivity, resulting in the company losing its right to sell the Pixel 7 series in Japan.
Google Can No Longer Sell the Pixel 7 in Japan
The lawsuit filed by Pantech claimed that the LTE modem technology used in Pixel phones directly overlaps with its own patents. The disputed patent covers technical details on how devices communicate with base stations. Pantech also stated that the technology was not licensed under fair and reasonable terms.
The court decided to suspend the sales of the Pixel 7 series due to Google’s refusal to cooperate. Not only did Google decline to pay a reasonable licensing fee, but it also withheld information on the number of Pixel 7 units sold in Japan.
Japan is a highly important market for Google. The company ranks as the second-largest smartphone manufacturer in the country, right behind Apple, surpassing major brands like Samsung and Xiaomi.
It seems that this issue may not be limited to the Pixel 7 series. Reports indicate that Pantech has initiated similar legal proceedings for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. Unless an agreement is reached, these models could also face potential bans in Japan in the near future.
What do you think about this situation? Do you believe the court made the right decision regarding Google? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section!
