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Groups Defending Against Google Import Ban Aren't ‘Disinterested’ Parties, Says Sonos

Advocates for tech and for the disabled arguing against an International Trade Commission import ban on Google smart speakers (see 2001250004) aren't “disinterested” third parties, said Sonos (login required) in ITC docket 337-3428. “Most receive substantial funding from Google, which…

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was largely undisclosed in their submissions.” The public, including those with disabilities, “will not lose access to these features when the accused products are excluded,” Sonos said. Other vendors “can and will fill any void created by the absence of the infringing Google products,” it said. “Google itself could choose to provide non-infringing products.” The third-party submissions don't “argue that Google is the only supplier of devices that can be used by disabled people to control home functions,” said Sonos. It cited Statista estimating more than “a dozen other manufacturers of smart speakers” would be available.