Latest news with #Pantech
GSM Arena
12 hours ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Google Pixel 7 sales banned in Japan, Pixel 8 and 9 might follow
Google just lost the right to sell its Google Pixel 7 series after a recent patent dispute with Korean mobile phone company Pantech. According to a district court in Japan, Google was found guilty of infringing a patent related to LTE connectivity. Pantech filed a lawsuit against Google, arguing that the tech giant used the exact same technology described in a patent belonging to Pantech. The patent relates to how the LTE modem in Pixel phones communicates with the cell towers. The patent, however, wasn't licensed under fair and reasonable conditions. As a result, the Tokyo court ruled that Pixel 7 phones should be removed from the shelves since Google refused to cooperate. The company refused to pay a reasonable royalty fee and also refused to provide data on the number of Pixel 7 phones sold in Japan. The Japanese market is very important for Google because it is the second-largest smartphone vendor in the country after Apple, surpassing the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi. Pantech is now filing another lawsuit against Google, targeting the more recent Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, so unless the two companies reach a compromise these two might face the same fate. Source 1 | Source 2
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First Post
19 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Why did Japan ban Google's Pixel 7 phones? Could more models follow?
Google's Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have been banned in Japan after a court ruled they infringed on patented 4G technology owned by Korea's Pantech. The decision, spurred by Google's 'insincere' conduct in court, could soon extend to Pixel 8 and 9 models — threatening Google's rise in one of its strongest international markets read more The new Pixel 9 smart phone series is displayed at a Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US, August 13, 2024. File Image/Reuters Japan's Tokyo District Court has ordered a ban on the sale, import, advertisement and even public exhibition of Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones. The court found that the devices infringed on a patented communication method used in 4G LTE networks — a judgment that poses broader implications for Google's hardware future in one of its most promising international markets. The lawsuit, initially filed by South Korean company Pantech, centres around a patent related to how mobile phones interact with base stations by sending and receiving 'acknowledgement signals' (also referred to as ACK) — a mechanism essential to ensuring stable data transmission in 4G environments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This highly specific functionality is integrated deeply into the internal operation of smartphones that utilise LTE connectivity. Pantech, though no longer a player in the global smartphone hardware business, still holds a portfolio of active standard-essential patents (SEPs). More from Explainers Best True Wireless (TWS) Earbuds under Rs 12,000 in India on World Music Day 2025 The firm claims that Google implemented its technology in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro without acquiring the necessary license to do so. The Tokyo court agreed, concluding that Google's actions were in violation of Japanese patent law. The ruling affects not only commercial sales but also bans the advertising, importation, transfer, and public display of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The devices can no longer be distributed through retail channels or showcased by Google and its partners within Japan. Google's courtroom conduct criticised by judge Beyond the technical patent issue, the court's judgement was shaped by its assessment of Google's demeanour during the legal process. The presiding judge issued a sharp critique of the company's behavior, describing its approach as 'insincere.' This characterisation reportedly influenced the severity of the court's response, leading to an outright ban rather than a financial penalty or mediated settlement. The allegation of insincerity carries significant weight in Japanese legal culture, where cooperation and transparency are highly valued during litigation. According to ET News, this might have set the tone for a far more restrictive ruling than initially anticipated. Patent holder Pantech no longer makes phones, but it's not out of the game Pantech was once a relatively well-known South Korean smartphone brand in the late 2000s and early 2010s. However, as brands like Samsung and LG dominated the market, Pantech eventually exited the mobile handset space. Despite this, it retained its intellectual property, including patents integral to wireless communication technologies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In recent years, Pantech has transformed into what is often described as a 'patent monetisation business.' It is now focused on enforcing its existing intellectual property rights through the courts, often targeting major players in the tech industry. The company's legal campaign is being supported by IdeaHub, a firm that specialises in identifying, acquiring, and monetising valuable technology patents. Previous legal actions by Pantech and IdeaHub have been brought against several companies, including OnePlus, Niantic (the developer behind Pokémon Go) and smartphone manufacturer BLU. In some of those cases, settlements were reached; in others, court victories were secured. The Japan ruling against Google marks one of the more high-profile outcomes of this strategy. Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 could be next in line While the immediate ruling applies only to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, both Pantech and IdeaHub have already moved to initiate further legal proceedings targeting the newer Pixel 8 line and the Pixel 9 series. Though the Japanese courts have yet to issue a verdict on those models, legal filings indicate that the same patent is being cited as the basis for the expanded injunction request. If the ban extends to these newer models — which are actively being marketed or are expected to be launched later this year — the consequences could be significantly more damaging for Google. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Unlike the Pixel 7 series, which is approaching three years since its release, the Pixel 8 is still part of Google's current product lineup. The Pixel 9, meanwhile, is expected to be the centerpiece of the company's upcoming product cycle. For now, Google has not confirmed its next steps. The company could appeal the decision, negotiate a licensing agreement with Pantech and IdeaHub, or design future devices in a way that avoids the patented technology altogether. Why this ruling matters in Japan matters to Google Japan is not just any market for Google. Over the past few years, it has emerged as one of the few countries outside of North America where Pixel smartphones have made significant inroads. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a, in particular, were instrumental in helping Google gain market share in Japan. According to data from Counterpoint Research, Japan surpassed the United States in Pixel shipments during the first quarter of 2023. The popularity of Google's smartphones in Japan has even allowed the company to briefly overtake Apple and become the second-largest smartphone brand in the country. This success was largely fuelled by the reception of the Pixel 7 series and the mid-tier Pixel 7a, which appealed to Japanese consumers through factors like price, camera capabilities and Google-exclusive software features. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With this sales momentum now threatened by ongoing legal uncertainty, analysts warn that even the perception of instability around the Pixel brand could cause a decline in consumer trust and purchasing behaviour — regardless of whether the newer models eventually face a formal ban. How dormant patents are creating new challenges for tech giants The Google-Pantech dispute is part of a growing trend across the tech industry — where older, dormant patents are being resurrected and enforced, often by companies that no longer play a direct role in the production of devices or services. Legal experts suggest that this tactic, while controversial, is becoming increasingly common as former hardware firms seek new ways to profit from their IP portfolios. The enforcement of standard-essential patents (SEPs) is particularly contentious. These patents relate to fundamental technologies — such as 4G/LTE protocols — that are critical for interoperability. Because of this, such patents are typically expected to be licensed under FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) terms. However, when a licensing deal fails or is not sought at all, it can open the door to litigation and potential sales bans. In the case of Google, Pantech alleges that the company never acquired a proper license for the patented LTE communication technique. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Tokyo District Court's agreement with this claim, paired with its criticism of Google's courtroom behaviour, indicates that Japanese courts are taking such IP matters seriously — and are willing to issue sweeping bans even when the claimant no longer actively produces related products. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Google Pixel 7 series banned in Japan; Pixel 8 and 9 also at risk
Google Pixel 7 series smartphones have been banned in Japan. According to a report by ETNews, the ban comes after a court ruled that the company violated a patent held by South Korean firm Pantech. 'Pantech announced on the 24th that it had won a judgment including a sales injunction from the Tokyo District Court in Japan in its lawsuit against Google for infringing its standard essential patents,' the report says (translated). With this ruling, Google will no longer be able to sell Pixel 7 series phones in the country. The court's decision marks the first time in Japan that a product has been removed from the market due to standard patent infringement. According to the report, Pantech holds a key patent related to 4G communication technology. The court reportedly noted Google's 'insincere attitude' in handling the issue, which may have influenced the severity of the ruling. Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series also face potential ban While the ruling currently applies only to the Pixel 7 series, Pantech is reportedly seeking a broader ban that could include newer devices like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, which are still available from retailers and mobile carriers in Japan. The company has also applied for an import ban on all Pixel series products through Japanese customs. The ETNews report quotes a Pantech official who said, "It is very encouraging that we have taken practical action in a Japanese court against a global company like Google." Future Pixel phones also under threat The patent dispute could grow into a larger issue for Google if Japanese courts expand the ban to include the Pixel 7a and later models. Google is expected to unveil its Pixel 10 lineup in the coming months, with leaks suggesting a focus on performance and refined Android experience. However, the legal challenges could impact the launch or sales of future devices in key markets like Japan if the issue remains unresolved. Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Same Google Magic in half the price? AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro banned in Japan, Pixel 8 and 9 at risk: Here's why
Google has had a major setback in Japan, where a court has banned the sale of its Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones due to patent infringement. This ruling could soon affect the upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models, which threaten Google's growing presence in the Japanese smartphone market. Google Pixel 7 and Pro smartphone sales have been banned in Japan due to patent infringement.(HT) The dispute centres on a technical part of 4G network communication involving the transmission of an 'acknowledgement signal' or ACK between devices and base stations. This technique is protected by Japanese patent law. Although Pantech, the patent holder, no longer makes smartphones, its remaining patents continue to hold legal weight. The Tokyo District Court ruled that Google's use of this technology violated those patents. Also read: Gemini's dramatic apologies: Why Google's chatbot sometimes says it should 'switch itself off' after failing tasks Furthermore, the judge criticised Google for what was described as an "insincere attitude" during the case. This criticism contributed to the court's decision to impose a full sales ban instead of a lesser penalty or settlement. Pixel Ban's Impact on Market Presence This ruling challenges Google's growing presence in Japan, where the Pixel brand recently became the second most popular smartphone line after Apple's iPhone. The success of the Google Pixel 7 series and the Pixel 7a helped boost the brand's market share. Also read: Could non-Nintendo chargers shorten your Switch 2's life? Here's what a user's experiment found The situation may escalate as the companies behind the patent, IdeaHub and Pantech, are pushing to extend the ban to the upcoming Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models. No official ruling has been made on these devices yet, but the potential for a wider ban adds pressure on Google to resolve the legal issues quickly. Japan stands out as a strong market for Google Pixel phones outside the United States. A broader sales ban could disrupt Google's growth in the region and might also affect customer trust. Also read: Big tech's tariff troubles: Why US trade policy has Silicon Valley on edge Moreover, Google has not yet provided a detailed response to the court's decision. The company now faces choices including appealing the ruling, negotiating licensing rights, or redesigning future phones to avoid patent conflicts. Each option carries risks, especially with the Google Pixel 9 launch expected later this year. Currently, only the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are banned. However, the case signals a growing trend in the tech industry, where older patents are increasingly enforced by entities that do not produce consumer products, which are creating new legal challenges for tech giants. Mobile finder: Google Pixel 8 Pro LATEST price, specs and all details
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Japan Halts Google Pixel 7 Sales Over LTE Patent Dispute
In a significant legal setback for Google, a Japanese court has ordered a halt to the sales of its Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones in the country. The Tokyo District Court ruled in favour of a patent infringement claim, stating that Google had used patented LTE technology without proper authorization. The core of the issue lies in a particular method used in 4G communication, especially the transmission of the "acknowledgement signal" (ACK) between mobile devices and base stations. While it may seem like a technical detail, this mechanism is fundamental to the functioning of modern networks and is protected under Japanese patent law. The lawsuit was reportedly initiated by Pantech, a company that has long exited the smartphone business but still holds valuable intellectual property. The court concluded that Google violated these rights in the Pixel 7 series, triggering a ban that covers not only sales but also imports, advertising, and even product displays across Japan. What has made the situation worse for Google is the court's sharp criticism of its behavior during the proceedings. The judge described the company's stance as showing an "insincere attitude," a remark that played a role in the court opting for a sweeping sales ban rather than a negotiated settlement or partial restriction. The decision comes at a time when Google had been gaining considerable traction in Japan. The Pixel line recently became the second-most popular smartphone brand in the country, trailing only Apple. Much of this rise was driven by the Pixel 7 and the more affordable Pixel 7a. Now, the legal trouble might not stop at just these models. The complainants—IdeaHub and Pantech—are seeking to expand the ban to newer models, including the Pixel 8 and the yet-to-be-released Pixel 9 series. While no verdict has been issued yet regarding these newer devices, the pressure on Google is mounting. Analysts warn that a broader ban could damage Google's market presence in Japan—a rare international stronghold for Pixel phones outside the U.S. Any interruption in product availability or consumer trust could unravel years of brand-building efforts. Google has yet to release a detailed response but will soon have to choose between three difficult paths: appealing the court's ruling, negotiating a licensing deal, or redesigning future devices to avoid further legal exposure. Each option comes with its own set of risks, especially as anticipation builds for the upcoming Pixel 9 launch later this year. The case also highlights a growing trend in the tech industry—dormant patents and intellectual property portfolios are increasingly being used in legal battles, sometimes by companies that are no longer active in product development. As this legal saga continues, Google faces a critical test in maintaining its momentum in Japan while navigating a complex IP challenge that could affect its global smartphone strategy.
