How are investigations conducted?
Section 337 investigations are conducted in conformity with the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq., and pursuant to Commission Rules published at 19 C.F.R. Part 210, which are similar in many respects to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In addition to these rules, the presiding Administrative Law Judge typically issues a set of Ground Rules for the conduct of the investigation. These Ground Rules provide detailed instructions on matters such as the time for responding to motions, the method for asserting privilege, the number of copies
required of evidentiary exhibits, the use of translators, and the procedure for arranging a telephone conference between the parties and the Administrative Law Judge.