The U.S. International Trade Commission has launched a formal investigation into Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), Apple and Google over alleged infringement of audio technology patents.
The ITC said in a notice on its website on the 16th that it had accepted a patent infringement complaint filed by U.S. company BoomCloud 360 and would begin investigative proceedings.
BoomCloud 360, headquartered in California, alleges that certain electronic devices made by Samsung Electronics, Apple and Google use three of its audio technology patents without authorization. The patents at issue are said to cover technology that corrects imbalances in volume and output between the left and right speaker channels and that delivers more immersive spatial audio.
BoomCloud 360 asked the ITC to issue a limited exclusion order barring imports of the products into the United States. It also sought measures to block the distribution and sale of products already brought into the country.
Samsung Electronics, Apple and Google must file responses within 20 days of receiving notice of the investigation from the ITC.
