Google Pixel Phones Banned in Japan: Here’s Why the Pixel 7 Series Was Pulled and What It Means for Pixel 8 & 9

HIGHLIGHTS

• Google Pixel 7 series banned in Japan due to patent infringement.
• South Korean tech firm Pantech accused Google of using LTE technology without a proper license.
• Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series could be the next in line for legal scrutiny.
• Japan is a key market for Google, with massive growth seen in 2023.

Why Are Google Pixel Phones Getting Banned in Japan?

In a significant legal development, the Tokyo District Court has officially ordered Google to halt sales of its Pixel 7 series smartphones in Japan. The reason? Patent infringement.

According to the court’s ruling, Google unlawfully used patented LTE technology owned by South Korean electronics company Pantech, specifically a critical innovation related to “control signal mapping”. This technology is essential for enabling smartphones to communicate effectively on LTE networks.

Pantech’s patents fall under the Standard-Essential Patent (SEP) category, meaning they are vital to core smartphone functionalities and are typically licensed under FRAND terms (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory). However, the Japanese court found that Google failed to secure a proper license and labeled the company’s approach toward negotiations as “insincere.”

What Is “Control Signal Mapping” and Why Does It Matters?

The banned technology, “control signal mapping,” is crucial for how devices establish and manage LTE connections. It essentially determines how a smartphone connects to cellular networks, influencing both performance and reliability.

The court determined that Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro smartphones used this technology without authorization, making the devices non-compliant with Japan’s intellectual property regulations. This led to an immediate order to suspend Pixel 7 series sales in the Japanese market.

Which Pixel Phones Are Affected?

As of now, the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a have been removed from the official Google Store in Japan. While the Pixel 7 lineup is nearing the end of its product lifecycle, the legal precedent set by this ruling could extend to newer devices.

Pantech has already signaled that it may target the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series next, indicating that Google’s legal challenges in Japan might just be beginning.

Japan: A Crucial Market for Google

Japan isn’t just another smartphone market — it’s one of Google’s most successful regions in recent years. According to IDC, Google saw a record 527% year-over-year growth in Japan in 2023, primarily driven by the strong performance of the Pixel 7 series and the mid-range Pixel 7a.

Further research from Counterpoint stated that Google claimed the third-largest smartphone market share in Japan in 2024, although recent legal troubles may affect its standing.

With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series under potential legal threat, Google faces the difficult challenge of maintaining its momentum and market share in one of its fastest-growing regions.

What Happens Next for Google?

Immediate Actions Taken:

• Pixel 7 series removed from official stores in Japan
• Legal teams expected to enter negotiation or appeal phases
• Increased scrutiny on upcoming Pixel models

Potential Future Impact:

• Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 sales may also be blocked
• Possible redesign or software updates to bypass patent issues
• Google may need to strike a licensing agreement with Pantech or face extended bans

Conclusion

The ban on Google Pixel phones in Japan marks a rare but serious patent enforcement action involving a Standard-Essential Patent. While the immediate impact affects only the Pixel 7 lineup, the legal implications could ripple through Google’s future Pixel models, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series.

As Google navigates this legal challenge, its ability to maintain its competitive edge in the Japanese smartphone market will depend on how quickly and effectively it resolves the dispute with Pantech.

Stay tuned for further updates as this legal battle unfolds and potentially reshapes Google’s hardware strategy in Asia.