Google Pixel 7 Banned in Japan, Future Models Under Threat
The Google Pixel 7 series smartphones have been officially banned from sale in Japan following a landmark court ruling that found the tech giant in infringement of a patent held by South Korean company Pantech. This decision, delivered by a Japanese court just days ago, could have far-reaching implications for Google’s growing smartphone presence in the key Asian market, with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series also facing potential sales injunctions.
Patent Infringement and “Insincere Attitude” Cited
The ruling stems from a dispute over a patent critical to 4G communication technology, specifically relating to how an acknowledgement signal (ACK) is transmitted between a base station and a mobile device within an LTE network. Pantech, a company that is no longer actively producing smartphones but maintains a substantial patent portfolio, accused Google of unlawfully using this patented technology without authorisation.
What makes this case particularly notable is that it marks the first instance in Japan where a product has been banned from sale due to “standard patent infringement.” Adding to Google’s woes, the court reportedly cited an “insincere attitude” from the company during the legal proceedings. This suggests a lack of cooperation from Google regarding licensing negotiations and providing sales data for the Pixel 7 in Japan, which reportedly influenced the severity of the ruling.
Pixel 8 and 9 Series Now in Pantech’s Crosshairs
While the Pixel 7 is an older model no longer officially sold by Google, its continued availability through some carriers and retailers makes the ban impactful. More concerning for Google is Pantech’s aggressive pursuit of further legal action. The company has reportedly set its sights on extending the ban to Google’s more recent devices, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, which are currently being sold in the Japanese market. Pantech has also applied for an import ban on all Pixel products through Japanese customs.
Significant Impact on Google’s Japanese Market Presence
If Pantech is successful in securing a wider ban, it could significantly disrupt Google’s momentum in a region where Pixel phones have been gaining considerable traction. Japan has emerged as a crucial market for Google’s hardware ambitions, with Pixel devices recently surging to become the second most popular smartphone brand in the country, trailing only Apple’s iPhone.
A broader ban could severely impact Google’s market share and reputation in the country, potentially eroding consumer trust and harming sales. As Google prepares to unveil its Pixel 10 series in the coming months, this ongoing patent dispute casts a shadow of uncertainty over its future smartphone strategy in Japan. The company now faces critical decisions regarding appealing the ruling, negotiating a licensing agreement with Pantech, or potentially redesigning future devices to avoid similar infringements.
