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Intellectual property

June 27, 2014

News Release 14-067

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-920

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Integrated Circuits and Products Containing the Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain integrated circuits and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are integrated circuits and products containing the same, including wireless communication devices, wireless phones, televisions, optical disk players, tablets, and other products.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., of Austin, TX, on May 12, 2014. The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain integrated circuits and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.

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

    MediaTek Inc. of Hsinchu City, Taiwan;
    MediaTek USA Inc. of San Jose, CA;
    Acer Inc. of New Taipei City, Taiwan;
    AmTRAN Technology Co. Ltd. of Chung Ho City, New Taipei I, Taiwan;
    AmTRAN Logistics, Inc., of Irvine, CA;
    ASUSTek Computer Inc. of Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan;
    ASUS Computer International, Inc., of Fremont, CA;
    BLU Products, Inc., of Doral, FL;
    Sharp Corporation of Osaka, Japan;
    Sharp Electronics Corporation of Mahwah, NJ;
    Sharp Electronics Manufacturing Company of America Inc. of San Diego, CA;
    Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan;
    Sony Corporation of America of New York, NY;
    Sony Electronics, Inc. of San Diego, CA;
    Sony EMCS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd of Penang, Malaysia;
    Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., of Irvine, CA;
    Toshiba Logistics America, Inc., of Irvine, CA;
    TPV Display Technology (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., of Xiamen, Fujian, China;
    Trend Smart America, Ltd., Lake Forest, CA;
    Trend Smart Ce M�xico, S.r.l. de C.V., of Tijuana, Mexico;
    Vizio, Inc. of Irvine, CA;
    Yamaha Corporation of Shizuoka, Japan;
    Yamaha Corporation of America of Buena Park, CA;
    Lenovo Group Ltd. of Beijing, China;
    Lenovo (United States) Inc. of Morrisville, NC;
    Best Buy Co., Inc., of Richfield, MN;
    Newegg Inc. of City of Industry, CA;
    Buy.com Inc. d/b/a Rakuten.com Shopping of Aliso Viejo, CA;
    Walmart Stores, Inc., of Bentonville, AR;
    Amazon.com, Inc., of Seattle, WA;
    B & H Foto & Electronics Corp. of New York, NY;
    Costco Wholesale Corporation of Issaquah, WA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-920), 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 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.

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May 19, 2014

News Release 14-046

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-915

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Set-Top Boxes, Gateways, Bridges, and Adapters and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain set-top boxes, gateways, bridges, and adapters and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are multimedia devices, such as set-top boxes, gateways, bridges, or adapters, and integrated circuit components contained in such devices.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by ViXS Systems, Inc., of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and ViXS USA, Inc., of Austin, TX, on April 17, 2014. The complaint was amended on May 6, 2014. The amended complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain set-top boxes, gateways, bridges, and adapters 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:

    Entropic Communications, Inc., of San Diego, CA;
    DirecTV, LLC, of El Segundo, CA;
    Wistron NeWeb Corporation of Hsinchu, Taiwan; and
    CyberTAN Technology, Inc. of Hsinchu, Taiwan.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-915), 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 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.

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May 29, 2014

News Release 14-052

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-916

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Non-Volatile Memory Chips and Products Containing the Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain non-volatile memory chips and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are memory chips containing integrated circuits that can retain information in the absence of a power source and consumer electronics containing such chips, such as computers, tablets, phones, digital cameras, routers, and video game consoles and cartridges.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Spansion LLC of Sunnyvale, CA, on April 29, 2014. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain non-volatile memory chips and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by Spansion. The complainant requests that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

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

    Macronix International Co., Ltd. of Hsin-chu, Taiwan;
    Macronix America, Inc. of Milpitas, CA;
    Macronix Asia Limited of Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Pref., Japan;
    Macronix (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. of Hong Kong;
    Acer Inc. of New Taipei City, Taiwan;
    Acer America Corporation of San Jose, CA;
    ADT Corporation of Boca Raton, FL;
    Amazon.com, Inc. of Seattle, WA;
    ASRock Inc. of Taipei City, Taiwan;
    ASRock America, Inc. of Chino, CA;
    ASUSTek Computer Inc. of Tapei, Taiwan;
    ASUS Computer International of Fremont, CA;
    Belkin International, Inc. of Playa Vista, CA;
    D-Link Corporation of Taipei City, Taiwan;
    D-Link Systems, Inc. of Fountain Valley, CA;
    Leap Motion, Inc. of San Francisco, CA;
    Lowe's Companies, Inc. of Mooresville, NC;
    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. of Wilkesboro, NC;
    Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, WA;
    Nintendo Co., Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan;
    Nintendo of America, Inc. of Redmond, WA;
    Sercomm Corporation of Taipei, Taiwan;
    Vonage Holdings Corp. of Holmdel, NJ;
    Vonage America Inc. of Holmdel, NJ; and
    Vonage Marketing LLC of Holmdel, NJ.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-916), 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 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.

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April 2, 2014

News Release 14-029

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Hemostatic Products and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain hemostatic products and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are hemostatic products used by medical providers to control bleeding during surgery.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Baxter International, Inc., of Deerfield, IL; Baxter Healthcare Corporation of Deerfield, IL; and Baxter Healthcare SA of Glattpark (Opfikon), Switzerland, on February 28, 2014. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain hemostatic products and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

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

    Johnson and Johnson, of Brunswick, NJ;
    Ethicon, Inc., of Somerville, NJ;
    Ferrosan Medical Devices A/S of Soeborg, Denmark; and
    Packaging Coordinators, Inc., of Philadelphia, PA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-913), 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 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.

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April 9, 2014

News Release 14-033

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-914

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Sulfentrazone, Sulfentrazone Compositions, and Processes for Making Sulfentrazone

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone compositions, and processes for making sulfentrazone. The products at issue in this investigation are used to control certain weeds in various agricultural crops including soybean, sunflower and tobacco, and controlling pests in non-crops such as ornamental plants, turf and golf courses.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by FMC Corporation of Philadelphia, PA, on March 5, 2014. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone compositions, and processes for making sulfentrazone that infringe a patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a temporary exclusion order, a temporary cease and desist order, a limited exclusion order, and a cease and desist order.

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

    Beijing Nutrichem Science and Technology Stock Co., Ltd., of Beijing, China;
    Summit Agro USA, LLC, of Cary, NC;
    Summit Agro North America Holding Corporation of New York, NY; and
    Jiangxi Heyi Chemicals Co., Ltd., of Jiangxi, China.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-914), 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 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.

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March 31, 2014

News Release 14-028

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-912

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Earpiece Devices Having Positioning and Retaining Structure and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain earpiece devices having positioning and retaining structure and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are in-ear headphones.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bose Corporation of Framingham, MA, on February 26, 2014. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain earpiece devices having positioning and retaining structure and components thereof that infringe a patent asserted by Bose. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

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

    Monster, Inc. of Brisbane, CA;
    Monster, LLC of Las Vegas, NV; and
    Monster Technology International, Ltd. of Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-912), 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 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.

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February 27, 2014

News Release 14-021

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-910

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Television Sets, Television Receivers, Television Tuners, and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain television sets, television receivers, television tuners, and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are televisions and the integrated circuit tuners and receivers included in the televisions.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Cresta Technology Corporation, of Santa Clara, CA, on January 28, 2014. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain television sets, television receivers, television tuners, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by Cresta. The complainant requests that the USITC issue limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders.

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

    Silicon Laboratories, Inc., of Austin, TX;
    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea;
    Samsung Electronics America, Inc., of Ridgefield Park, NJ;
    LG Electronics Inc., of Seoul, Republic of Korea;
    LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, NJ;
    MaxLinear, Inc., of Carlsbad, CA;
    Sharp Corporation, of Osaka, Japan;
    Sharp Electronics Corporation, of Mahwah, NJ; and
    VIZIO, Inc., of Irvine, CA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-910), 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 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.

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January 24, 2014

News Release 14-011

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-908

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Soft-Edged Trampolines and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain soft-edged trampolines and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are trampolines designed so no hard surfaces or components are situated adjacent to the surface of the trampoline mat.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Springfree Trampoline, Inc.; Springfree Trampoline USA, Inc.; and Spring Free Limited Partnership, all of Markham, Ontario, Canada, on December 24, 2013. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain soft-edged trampolines and components thereof that infringe a patent asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

The USITC has identified Vuly Trampolines Pty. Ltd. of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-908), 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 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.

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January 23, 2014

News Release 14-008

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-907

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Vision-Based Driver Assistance System Cameras and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain vision-based driver assistance system cameras and components thereof. The products at issue are used in automobiles to provide information about the surroundings of the automobile.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Magna Electronics Inc. of Auburn Hills, MI, on December 23, 2013. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain vision-based driver assistance system cameras and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by Magna. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

The USITC has identified TRW Automotive U.S., LLC, of Livonia, MI, as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-907), 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 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.

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January 17, 2014

News Release 14-007

Inv. No(s). 337-TA-906

Contact: Peg O'Laughlin , 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Standard Cell Libraries, Products Containing or Made Using the Same, Integrated Circuits Made Using the Same, and Products Containing Such Integrated Circuits

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain standard cell libraries, products containing or made using the same, integrated circuits made using the same, and products containing such integrated circuits. The products at issue in this investigation include standard cell libraries; products made using such standard cell libraries, such as wafers and integrated circuits; and products containing such integrated circuits, such as servers, computers, video game systems, televisions, mobile telephones, and tablets.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Tela Innovations, Inc., of Los Gatos, CA, on December 23, 2013. A supplement to the complaint was filed on January 6, 2014. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain standard cell libraries, products containing or made using the same, integrated circuits made using the same, and products containing such integrated circuits that infringe a patent asserted by Tela. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

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

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Limited, of Hsinchu, Taiwan; and
    TSMC North America of San Jose, CA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-906), 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 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.

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