Bose Corporation has taken a big step in court. The company filed a lawsuit on September 10, 2025. It seeks a declaratory judgment. This means Bose wants a judge to rule on a legal issue before it gets worse. The case is about their QuietComfort headphones. It also covers other products. Bose worries about claims of patent infringement. They say their tech does not break any patents. The filing happened in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Bose’s main office is in Framingham, Massachusetts. This court makes sense for them.
What is a declaratory judgment? It is a way for one side to ask for clarity. Bose thinks someone might sue them soon. They want to clear their name first. This stops threats from hanging over their business. It helps them keep selling products without fear. The lawsuit names a company called 1st One Technology Co. Bose says this firm sent them letters. The letters claim Bose products infringe on 1st One’s patents. Bose disagrees. They want the court to say no infringement happened.
The QuietComfort headphones are stars in Bose’s lineup. They block noise well. People love them for travel and work. Models include QuietComfort 45 and QuietComfort Ultra. These have active noise cancellation. They use mics to hear outside sounds. Then, they play opposite sounds to cancel them out. This tech is key to the case. 1st One claims patents on parts of this. Bose says their design is different. They use their own inventions.
Other products are in the lawsuit too. These include Bose earbuds like QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Speakers like SoundLink are mentioned. Even soundbars may be covered. Bose sells many audio items. They want protection for all. The company has spent years on research. They hold over 1,000 patents. This fight is about keeping their edge in the market.
Why file now? Bose got demand letters from 1st One. These came in July 2025. 1st One is based in Taiwan. They make tech parts. The letters listed U.S. Patent Nos. 10,097,884 and 10,477,303. These cover audio processing. 1st One said Bose uses their ideas without paying. They wanted license fees. Bose refused. They studied the patents. Experts said no overlap. Bose now asks the court to agree.
The lawsuit details the products. QuietComfort headphones have Bluetooth. They connect to phones and computers. The noise tech adjusts to your ears. It learns your fit. This is called CustomTune. Bose says this is their own work. It started in labs years ago. No link to 1st One’s claims. For earbuds, the case is the same. They are small and wireless. Battery lasts up to 24 hours with the case. Users praise the sound.
Bose’s lawyers are from Fish & Richardson. This firm knows patents well. They handle big tech cases. The lead is in Boston. They filed a 20-page complaint. It has exhibits. These show the demand letters. Bose asks for a few things. First, declare no infringement. Second, say the patents are not valid. Third, cover Bose’s court costs.
This is not Bose’s first legal fight. In 2017, a class action hit them. Users said the Bose Connect app spied on listening habits. It tracked songs without clear notice. The case settled. Bose paid $5 million. They fixed the app. Now, privacy rules are stricter. But this new case is different. It is about patents, not users.
Patent fights are common in tech. Apple sues Samsung often. Sony battles Bose rivals. Audio is hot. Noise cancellation is big. The market grows fast. It hit $10 billion in 2024. Bose leads with 20% share. They fear copycats. But Bose says they innovate. Their QuietComfort line sold millions. Reviews call them the best for noise block.
What could happen next? 1st One may respond. They could counter-sue. Or drop claims. Court dates start soon. A judge will review. It may take months. Bose keeps selling. No recall needed. Customers can buy without worry.
For buyers, this means little change. QuietComfort headphones cost $349. They have soft cushions. Weight is light at 240 grams. Battery runs 24 hours. Charge in 15 minutes for 2.5 hours play. The app lets you tweak sound. Add EQ for bass or treble. Immersive Audio feels like 3D sound.
Experts see Bose’s move as smart. It shows strength. Companies file declaratory suits to scare off weak claims. 1st One may back down. If not, Bose has deep pockets. They can fight long.
The case number is 1:25-cv-11985. You can track it online. Court sites show updates. Bose did not comment much. A spokesperson said, “We protect our IP.” 1st One has not replied yet.
In the end, this suit guards Bose’s future. It lets them focus on new tech. Rumors say Bose plans Ultra 2nd Gen soon. Better battery and sound. Fans wait. For now, QuietComfort stays top choice.
This story shows tech law’s role. Patents drive growth. But fights slow it. Bose wants clear roads. They seek judgment to move on.