BoomCloud 360 is looking to get Samsung, Apple, and Google banned in the US over Spatial Audio patents. If successful, we could see sales of certain electronic devices with Spatial Audio banned or partially banned in the US.
The US International Trade Commission has formally opened an investigation into this. This followed a complaint sent to the ITC by audio technology company BoomCloud 360. This complaint was originally filed on August 14, with a supplemental filing submitted on August 31.
The complaint includes three patents that BoomCloud 360 says are being infringed by electronic devices sold by Apple, Google, and Samsung. These patents relate to spatial audio processing, including techniques designed to improve the separation and balance of sound from left and right speakers. This is what is used to create a more immersive 3D audio experience.
BoomCloud 360 is asking the ITC for a Limited Exclusion Order covering the allegedly infringing products, along with a cease-and-desist order. If this is granted, it could mean that affected products would face restrictions on imports and sales in the US.
The investigation doesn’t mean Apple, Google, or Samsung did anything wrong, yet
The ITC opening this investigation doesn’t mean that these three companies did anything wrong or infringed on the patents. The ITC is essentially looking to determine whether these products infringe the patents that BoomCloud 360 alleges.
Samsung filed a declaratory judgment case against BoomCloud 360 on September 3 in the US District Court for the Southern District of California. Apple and Google both filed similar actions in August.
BoomCloud 360 isn’t your typical patent troll; in fact, they aren’t even classified as one. The company was founded in 2014 and focuses on psychoacoustic sound processing to enhance audio clarity, broaden stereo soundstages, and improve bass response without requiring expensive speaker or headphone upgrades.
The post One Company’s Patent Complaint Could Get Spatial Audio Banned on iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxy Devices appeared first on Android Headlines.
​Â
