Google, Alarm.com Win First Round in Spat Over Smart Thermostats

Alphabet’s Google Nest, Alarm.com and other makers of smart thermostats aren’t violating the patent rights owned by EcoFactor, a U.S. International Trade Commission judge said Tuesday in a notice posted on the agency’s website.

• Further details of ITC Judge David Shaw’s findings weren’t disclosed in notice; full determination will be available after both sides get a chance to redact confidential information
• EcoFactor is seeking to block imports of smart thermostats and smart HVAC systems made by Nest, Alarm.com, Ecobee and Vivint, claiming they infringe its patents for systems that can intelligently control the temperature in a home ...