ITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation against HTC Regarding Infringement of Patents Involving Mobile Device Products

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablet computers, and components thereof.

The products at issue in this investigation are electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablet computers as they relate to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,570,369; 5,884,190; 6,141,664; 6,393,260; 6,728,530; 7,106,293; 7,209,911; 7,365,529; and 7,415,247.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Nokia Corporation of Finland; Nokia, Inc., of Sunnyvale, CA; and Intellisync Corporation of Sunnyvale, CA on May 2, 2012.

The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablet computers, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

HTC Corporation of Taiwan;
HTC America, Inc., of Bellevue, WA; and
Exedea, Inc., of Houston, TX.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-847), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s six administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

Also See:

USPTO and KIPO Announce Launch of Cooperative Patent Classification System Pilot

Strong Growth in Demand for Intellectual Property Rights in 2012 – WIPO

USPTO Updates Professional Conduct Rules and Registration Examination for Patent Attorneys

Expanded SHIELD Act Filed to Combat Patent Trolls

USPTO Publishes Final Rules and Guidelines Governing First-Inventor-to-File