Google Pixel 7 banned in Japan: Here is why

India Today

a day ago

In a serious blow to Google's ambitions in one of its fastest-growing international markets, a Japanese court has ruled in favour of a patent infringement claim, effectively banning the sale of Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones in the country. The decision, handed down recently, accuses Google of unlawfully using patented LTE technology without authorisation.According to the latest report, published by ETNews, the court case stems from a dispute over a specific communication method used in 4G networks, and more precisely, how a control signal known as an 'acknowledgement signal' or ACK is transmitted between devices and base stations.advertisementThis seemingly technical aspect of mobile communication has proven pivotal, as it's a core part of how modern networks operate. The technology in question is protected under Japanese patent law. While Pantech itself has exited the smartphone business, it appears its remaining patents are still proving valuable. The Tokyo District Court found that Google's Pixel 7 and 7 Pro used this technology without proper licensing, prompting a sweeping ban not just on sales, but also on imports, advertising, and even the display of these models within Japan.
More concerning for Google is the court's scathing assessment of the company's conduct during the proceedings. The presiding judge criticised Google for what was described as an "insincere attitude," a characterisation that reportedly influenced the decision to impose a comprehensive sales restriction rather than a softer penalty or settlement.advertisementThis ruling marks a significant setback for Google in Japan, a market where it had been gaining remarkable traction. The Pixel brand recently surged to become the second most popular smartphone line in the country, behind only Apple's iPhone. Much of that momentum was built on the success of the Pixel 7 lineup and the more budget-friendly Pixel 7a.Unfortunately for Google, the implications may extend well beyond the Pixel 7 series. IdeaHub and Pantech are now pushing to widen the scope of the ban to include newer devices, namely the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 9 series. While no official decision has been made yet regarding these models, the move puts additional pressure on Google to address the legal challenge swiftly, or risk losing its grip on a key Asian market.The report noted that a broader ban could prove particularly damaging, as Japan has emerged as a rare stronghold for Pixel phones outside the United States. Any disruption to product availability or brand perception could undo years of carefully cultivated consumer interest.Although Google has yet to issue a detailed response to the ruling, the company will likely need to decide whether to appeal the decision, seek a licensing agreement, or redesign future devices to avoid further legal entanglements. Each of these paths carries risk, particularly with the Pixel 9 series expected to launch later this year.advertisementFor now, only the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are affected, but the possibility of further restrictions means this issue is far from over. The case also highlights a broader trend in the tech industry, where dormant patents and IP portfolios are being wielded more aggressively in courtrooms, sometimes by entities with no active role in product development or consumer markets.As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how Google navigates this growing legal storm, and whether its Pixel brand can continue to thrive in Japan amid mounting uncertainty.- Ends