The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain magnetic resonance injection systems and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are power injection systems used to deliver contrast agents into the body during magnetic resonance imaging procedures.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Medrad, Inc., of Indianola, PA, on April 25, 2000, and supplemented on May 10 and 17, 2000. In the investigation, the ITC will determine whether there is a violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain magnetic resonance injection systems and components thereof by reason of infringement of a patent owned by Medrad, Inc. In its complaint, Medrad requests that the ITC issue a permanent exclusion order and permanent cease and desist orders.

The ITC has identified the following companies as respondents in the investigation:

Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan;
Liebel-Flarsheim Co. of Cincinnati, OH;
Mallinckrodt Inc. (New York corporation), of Hazelwood, MO; and
Mallinckrodt Inc. (Delaware corporation), of Hazelwood, MO.

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