December 16, 2011
News Release 11-161
Inv. No. 337-TA-820
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION
ON CERTAIN PRODUCTS CONTAINING INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE
AND PARENTAL CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain products containing interactive program guide and parental controls technology. The products at issue in this investigation are devices that incorporate interactive program guide and parental controls technology, such as televisions and Blu-Ray players.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Rovi Corporation; Rovi Guides, Inc. (f/k/a Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc.); United Video Properties, Inc.; and Gemstar Development Corporation, all of Santa Clara, CA, and Index Systems, Inc., of the British Virgin Islands on November 15, 2011. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain products containing interactive program guide and parental controls technology that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Vizio, Inc., of Irvine, CA;
Haier Group Corp. of China; and
Haier American Trading, LLC, of New York, NY.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-820), 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.