BoomCloud 360, based in Encinitas, California, has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (USITC). The company alleges that Apple, Samsung, and Google have infringed on three of its patents related to spatial audio technology.
The plaintiff is seeking a limited exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order to block the sale of the accused products in the United States. The list of potentially affected devices includes various iPhone models from the 11 series through the 17 series, iPhone Air, specific iPads, AirPods, Beats products, Galaxy smartphones, wireless audio accessories, and Pixel phones.
The USITC has officially launched an investigation, though this does not imply an immediate sales ban. The commission will set a target date for the investigation's completion within 45 days. A final ruling is not expected until late 2027 or early 2028.
Companies facing such investigations have options to avoid a total ban, including negotiating licensing agreements or redesigning product features to bypass the disputed patents. Apple previously navigated a similar situation in 2023 regarding blood oxygen sensor patents held by Masimo, which resulted in a temporary sales suspension of certain Apple Watch models.
Apple resolved the Masimo dispute by disabling the blood oxygen feature via a software update and later developing a new, non-infringing technical solution. By March 2026, a USITC administrative judge ruled that Apple's redesigned feature did not violate Masimo's patents, effectively closing the case.
