Google's Pixel 7 Series Banned in Japan Over Patent Infringement
Google's Pixel 7 series smartphones have been banned from sale in Japan due to a patent infringement case. The court's decision, which Google is appealing, has significant implications for the tech giant's operations in one of its key markets.
The ruling, which Google is challenging, prohibits the sale, display, transfer, or import of any Pixel 7 device in Japan. The court criticized Google's handling of the case, leading to the strict ruling. The patent in question relates to signal mapping technology, crucial for LTE (4G) communication networks, and is owned by Pantech, a South Korean telecommunications company. Pantech, with the help of patent monetisation company IdeaHub, is seeking similar prohibitions on Google's upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, which could potentially halt Google's growth in Japan.
Google has halted sales of the Pixel 7 series in Japan, a significant market for its smartphone business. The ban is a setback for Google, which has been expanding its hardware offerings, including smartphones and smart home devices, in recent years.
The ban on Google's Pixel 7 series in Japan is a result of a patent infringement case, with the court's ruling prohibiting any sales or imports of the device. Pantech, with the support of IdeaHub, is seeking similar bans on future Pixel series. Google is appealing the decision, but if the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series are also impacted, it could significantly affect Google's growth in the Japanese market.
