Pixel Phones Face Sales Ban in Japan Due to Patent Fight

A recent court decision in Japan has blocked Google from selling certain older Pixel phones. The ruling came after a patent dispute with Pantech, a Korean mobile company. The patents in question involve technology used in 4G networks. The court found that Google had not been cooperative in resolving the dispute. As a result, Google can no longer sell, display, transfer, or import Pixel 7 series phones in Japan. This ban is a big deal because Japan is a key market for Pixel devices. Pantech is not stopping there. They are also trying to block the sale of newer Pixel models, like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. If successful, this could hurt Google's sales in Japan, a market where Pixel phones have been growing in popularity. Interestingly, Pantech itself has not released any new phones in recent years. Instead, they are working with a patent monetization company called IdeaHub to pursue these legal actions. This raises questions about how companies use patents to make money, even if they are not actively producing products. While the current ban on Pixel 7 phones may not have a huge impact, further bans could be a problem for Google. The Pixel 7 series, especially the Pixel 7a, has been very popular in Japan. A broader ban could slow down Google's growth in this important market.