Jawbone sues Apple, Google for patent violations in noise-canceling technology.

• ByManjeet Singh     |    September 27, 2021

Jawbone was a privately held wearable technology company based in San Francisco, California. The company has been liquidating since June 19, 2017, via an assignment for the benefit of creditors. It developed and sold audio devices, Bluetooth headsets, and wristbands.

Jawbone claimsit was the first to develop the now popular noise-canceling technology used by Apple in its Airpods. Formerly-owned patents were reportedly filed in Waco, Texas, a place known for its patent-friendly judges and juries.

In the complaint, Jawbone claims eight patents relating to ways to reduce background noise in devices, a technology it developed in its early days, when it was contracted by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop noise suppression techniques for the U.S. military.

No comment was immediately given by Apple, but Google said that it disputed the claim and would “vigorously” defend itself.

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