The Pixel 7 just got banned in Japan, and the Pixel 8 and 9 series could be next
Google has hit a legal snag in Japan, where a court has banned the sale of some older Pixel phones—and newer models might be next.
The issue stems from a patent dispute with Pantech, a Korean company that claims Google’s Pixel 7 series violates its 4G/LTE technology patents. The court ruled that Google used Pantech’s signal-mapping tech without permission, leading to a sales ban on the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a in Japan.
The judge wasn’t happy with Google’s handling of the case, calling its approach “insincere.” As a result, Google can no longer sell, import, or even display these phones in Japan.
Pantech isn’t stopping there—it’s now targeting the Pixel 8 and upcoming Pixel 9 series for similar bans. While the Pixel 7 ban might not hurt Google much, losing newer models could be a bigger problem. Japan is one of Pixel’s strongest markets, especially after the Pixel 7a’s huge success in 2023.
Interestingly, Pantech isn’t even making phones anymore—it’s been out of the smartphone game for years. Instead, it’s working with a patent licensing firm to enforce its rights.
What This Means for You:
If you’re in Japan, buying a Pixel 7 might get tricky. For everyone else, this case could set a precedent for future patent battles—so we’ll keep an eye on what happens next.
#GooglePixel #TechNews #PatentDispute #SmartphoneBan #JapanTech