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News Release 13-110
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-899
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
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 in this investigation are camera devices and components for driver assistance systems.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by TRW Automotive U.S. LLC of Livonia, MI, on September 20, 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 TRW. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified Magna Electronics, Inc., of East Lansing, MI, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-899), 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.
News Release 13-112
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-900
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain navigation products, including GPS devices, navigation and display systems, radar systems, navigational aids, mapping systems, and related software. The products at issue in this investigation include GPS and radar systems for aviation, marine, and on-road vehicle navigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Furuno Electric Co. Ltd. of Hyogo, Japan, and Furuno U.S.A., Inc., of Camas, WA, on September 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 navigation products, including GPS devices, navigation and display systems, radar systems, navigational aids, mapping systems, and related software 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:
Garmin Ltd. of Schaffhausen, Switzerland;
Garmin International, Inc., of Olathe, KS;
Garmin North America, Inc., of Olathe, KS;
Garmin USA, Inc., of Olathe, KS;
Navico Holding AS of Egersund, Norway;
Navico UK Limited of Romsey Hampshire, United Kingdom;
Navico Inc. of Tulsa, OK;
Raymarine, Inc., of Nashua, NH; and
Raymarine UK Ltd. of Fareham, United Kingdom.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-900), 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.
News Release 13-113
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-901
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain handheld magnifiers and products containing same. The products at issue in this investigation are handheld magnifiers used by low vision users and others to enlarge materials for easier viewing or reading.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Freedom Scientific, Inc., of St. Petersburg, FL, on September 26, 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 handheld magnifiers and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by Freedom Scientific. 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:
Aumed Group Corp. of Beijing, China; and
Aumed Inc. of San Carlos, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-901), 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.
News Release 13-115
Inv. No(s). 332-542, 332-544, 332-545, 332-546
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched four investigations to examine the impact that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program has had on the economies of sub-Saharan Africa and identify factors that have impacted trade, investment, and the economic climate of the region.
The investigations were requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on October 17, 2013. In the request letter, the USTR noted that the Administration is working with its partners in the region and the Congress to renew and potentially modify AGOA, which entered into force on October 1, 2000.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will conduct four investigations and provide four reports to the USTR. One report will be a public report, and three reports will be confidential.
- The first investigation, AGOA: Trade and Investment Performance Overview, will assess the impact AGOA has had on the economies of sub-Saharan Africa and identify factors that have impacted the trade, investment, and the economic climate of the region. In this report, the USITC will address AGOA trade performance, utilization, and competitiveness factors; AGOA's effect on the business and investment climate in sub-Saharan Africa; and the relationship between current or potential sub-Saharan African reciprocal trade agreements and the objectives of AGOA. This report will be submitted to USTR on April 17, 2014, and will be released to the public soon thereafter.
- The second investigation, AGOA: Economic Effects of Providing Duty-Free Treatment for Imports, will assess the economic effects of providing duty-free treatment for AGOA imports on U.S. industries and consumers. This report will be confidential and will be delivered to USTR on April 17, 2014.
- The third investigation, U.S. AGOA Rules of Origin: Possible Changes to Promote Regional Integration and Increase Exports to the United States, will identify possible changes to the rules of origin under AGOA with the potential to increase exports from AGOA-eligible countries. This report will be confidential and will be delivered to USTR on April 30, 2014.
- The fourth investigation, EU-South Africa FTA: Impact on U.S. Exports to South Africa, will assess the impact of the EU-South Africa free trade agreement on U.S. exports to South Africa. This report will be confidential and will be delivered to USTR on April 17, 2014.
The USITC will hold one public hearing in connection with the four investigations on January 14, 2014. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on December 13, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record for all four investigations. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on January 21, 2014. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigations, dated November 13, 2013, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representatives, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commissions' objective findings and independent analyses on the subject investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 13-120
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-902
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain windshield wipers and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are windshield wipers commonly known in the automobile industry as "flat blades" or "beam blades," and components thereof.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Trico Products Corporation of Rochester Hills, MI, on October 21, 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 windshield wipers and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by Trico. 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:
Federal-Mogul Corporation of Southfield, MI; and
Federal Mogul S.A. of Aubange, Belgium.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-902), 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.
News Release 13-121
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-903
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain antivenom compositions and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are Antivipmyn, Anavip and an antivenom product labeled "Antivenin- Bothrops asper and Crotalus durissus."
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by BTG International Inc., of West Conshohocken, PA, on October 30, 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 antivenom compositions and products containing the same that infringe a patent asserted by BTG. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Veteria Laboratories of Juarez C.P., Mexico D.F.;
BioVeteria Life Sciences, LLC, of Prescott, AZ;
Instituto Bioclon S.A. de C.V. of Tlalpan, Cuidad De Mexico D.F.;
Laboratorios Silanes SA de CV of Co. Del. Valle, Mexico D.F., C.P.;
The Silanes Group of Col. Del. Valle, Mexico D.F., C.P.; and
Rare Disease Therapeutics, Inc., of Franklin, TN.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-903), 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.
News Release 13-124
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1205 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is neither materially injured nor threatened with material injury by reason of imports of silica bricks and shapes from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the negative.
As a result of the USITC's negative determination, an antidumping duty order will not be issued.
The Commission's public report Silica Bricks and Shapes from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1205 (Final), USITC Publication 4443, January 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigation.
Copies may be obtained after January 31, 2014, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be made by fax to 202-205-2104.
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Silica Bricks and Shapes from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1205 (Final)
Product Description: Silica bricks and shapes covered by this investigation include all bricks and shapes, regardless of size, containing at least 90 percent silica (also known as silicon dioxide (Si02)), regardless of other materials in the bricks and shapes. These bricks and shapes are used for refractory purposes, primarily in coke ovens and glass furnaces. Noted items not intended for inclusion in this description are fused silica bricks and shapes.
Status of Proceedings: 1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping. 2. Petitioners: Utah Refractories Corp, Lehi, UT. 3. Investigation instituted by USITC: June 20, 2013. 4. USITC hearing: November 21, 2013. 5. USITC vote: December 12, 2013. 6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: January 10, 2014. U.S. Industry: 1. Number of U.S. producers in 2012: One. 2. Location of producers' plants: Utah. 3. Employment of production and related workers in 2012: (1) 4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2012: (1) 5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2012: (1) 6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2012: (1) U.S. Imports in 2012: 1. From the subject countries during 2012: (1) 2. From other countries during 2012: (1) 3. Leading sources during 2012: China, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 12-039
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-838
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain food waste disposers and components and packaging thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are undersink-mounted food waste disposers.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Emerson Electric Co. of St. Louis, MO, on March 16, 2012. A letter supplementing the complaint was filed on March 29, 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 food waste disposers and components and packaging thereof by reason of design patent infringement, registered trademark and common law trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, passing off and trademark dilution. The complainant requests that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified Anaheim Manufacturing Company of Brea, CA, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-838), 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.
News Release 13-079
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-891
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain laundry and household cleaning products and related packaging. The products at issue in this investigation include bleach, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaning products, disinfecting cleaners, and disinfecting wipes.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by The Clorox Company of Oakland, CA, on July 25, 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 laundry and household cleaning products and related packaging that infringe and/ or dilute registered U.S. trademarks asserted by Clorox. 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:
Industrias Alen, S.A. de C.V., of Sta. Catarina, N.L., Mexico; and
Alen U.S.A., LLC, of Houston, TX.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-891), 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.
News Release 13-080
Inv. No(s). 332-543
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation to examine a wide range of Indian policies that discriminate against U.S. trade and investment.
The investigation, Trade, Investment, and Industrial Policies in India: Effects on the U.S. Economy, was requested jointly by the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and Means.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will report on recent policies and measures in India that affect U.S. exports and investment and evaluate the effects of such barriers on U.S. firms and the U.S. economy.
In its examination, the USITC will enumerate restrictive trade and investment policies that India maintains or has recently adopted, determine which sectors of the U.S. economy are most affected by these policies, and describe the competitiveness of Indian firms in these sectors. The USITC will provide several case studies of U.S. firms or industries that have been particularly affected by India's restrictions.
As requested, the USITC will also perform a quantitative analysis of the effects of such measures. The USITC will survey a sample of U.S. firms to measure perceptions of India's policies and the impact of those policies on firms' strategies toward India. The survey results will complement the quantitative analysis of the effects of these policies on trade, investment, and the U.S. economy.
The USITC will deliver the report to the Committees by November 30, 2014.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on February 13, 2014. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on January 21, 2014, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submission for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date, but no later than 5:15 p.m. on April 11, 2014. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated August 29, 2013, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representatives, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commissions' objective findings and independent analyses on the subject investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.