Google Pixel 7 Banned in Japan Over Patent Dispute — Future Models at Risk

A Japanese court has prohibited the sale of Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones in Japan, citing patent infringement. This is a significant legal blow for the company. By exploiting LTE communication technology without permission, notably a technique involving the transmission of "acknowledgement signals" (ACK) in 4G networks, Google was found to have violated Japanese patent law by the Tokyo District Court.

The technology in question is associated with Pantech, a now-defunct smartphone brand that nevertheless has current patents. In addition to sales, the decision forbids imports, advertising, and even public displays of the impacted Pixel models in Japan.

The court criticises Google's actions.

Google's case was made more difficult by the court's harsh criticism of the company's actions throughout the trial. Google's position was deemed "insincere" by the presiding judge, which apparently affected the court's choice to impose a complete ban rather than a lighter fine or settlement.

Greater Impact Ahead: Pixels 8 and 9 Are at Risk

With the Pixel 7 series, the legal ramifications might not end there. The ban is allegedly being extended to include more recent models, such as the Pixel 8 and the impending Pixel 9 series, by Pantech and IdeaHub, its IP management partner. Google's existence in Japan is seriously threatened by the prospect, even though no formal verdict has been made about those gadgets yet.

Only a few foreign markets have achieved significant success with Google's Pixel devices, including Japan. With the help of the Pixel 7 series, which included the more reasonably priced Pixel 7a, Google was able to overtake Apple as the second-leading smartphone brand in Japan. A more comprehensive sales prohibition might sabotage years of market expansion.

What Will Google Do Next?

Although Google has not yet responded formally, it has three options: it could appeal the court's ruling, come to a license arrangement, or develop new models that do not violate the patent. With the Pixel 9's anticipated release later this year, each choice carries a high risk.

This case underscores a growing trend in the tech industry — dormant or legacy patents being actively enforced in court, often by companies no longer in the smartphone business. It also raises questions about the legal vulnerability of global tech giants operating in patent-sensitive markets like Japan.

For now, only the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are affected, but with further legal action possible, the fate of Google's Pixel lineup in Japan remains uncertain.