The Border
ITC opens patent probe into Amazon smart devices
Cerence says Amazon smart speakers, displays, TVs, tablets and streaming devices infringe five patents. The commission could still block imports or bar sales if it finds a violation.
The U.S. International Trade Commission has opened an investigation into Amazon smart speakers, smart displays, smart televisions, tablets and streaming devices. The complaint from Cerence Operating Company alleges five patent infringements and asks for remedies that can reach imports and U.S. sales.
- Cerence filed the complaint over five patents.
- Amazon and Amazon Services are named as respondents.
- The ITC can order import bans or cease-and-desist remedies.
- The case covers smart speakers, displays, TVs, tablets and streaming devices.
- Smart speakers, smart displays, smart televisions, tablets and streaming devices are now in the crosshairs of a federal patent case in Washington
Smart speakers, smart displays, smart televisions, tablets and streaming devices are now in the crosshairs of a federal patent case in Washington. The U.S. International Trade Commission, or ITC, has opened Investigation No. 337-TA-1504 after a complaint from Cerence Operating Company of Burlington, Massachusetts, said the devices infringe five patents.
The practical risk is familiar to companies that sell consumer electronics. If the ITC ultimately agrees with the complaint, it can order remedies that block products at the border or stop sales of goods already in the country.
A fight over devices people actually buy
The notice names Amazon.com, Inc. and Amazon.com Services, LLC as respondents, putting a major retail and device seller directly in the case. Cerence says the alleged infringement involves U.S. Patent Nos. 8,306,815, 9,203,972, 8,320,575, 11,929,073 and 8,355,484.
The commission has not found a violation. For shoppers, the significance is not the legal paperwork itself but the possibility that a product line can become harder to import, harder to stock or harder to sell while the dispute runs its course.