U.S. International Trade Commission
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation on Certain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Products and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain radio frequency identification (RFID) products and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are ISO 18000-6C compatible RFID transponders, RFID inlays, and RFID readers and their components.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Neology, Inc., of Poway, CA, on February 22, 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 radio frequency identification (RFID) products and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by Neology. 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:
Federal Signal Corporation of Oakbrook, IL;
Federal Signal Technologies, LLC, of Irvine, CA;
Sirit Corp. of Irvine, CA; and
3M Company of St. Paul, MN.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-875), 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.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation on Certain Robotic Toys and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain robotic toys and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are robotic toy fish that autonomously swim when placed in water.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Innovation First International, Inc., Innovation First, Inc., and Innovation First Labs, Inc., all of Greenville, TX, on January 4, 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 robotic toys and components thereof made using trade secrets asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order, and issue orders directing certain other remedial actions.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
CVS Pharmacy Inc. of Woonsocket, RI;
Zuru Inc. of Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands;
Zuru Ltd. of Kowloon, Hong Kong; and
Zuru Toys Inc. of Cambridge, New Zealand.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-869), 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.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Electronic Bark Control Collars
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic bark control collars. The products at issue in this investigation are electronic dog collars that sense a dog's bark and use various mechanisms (for example, electrostatic or ultrasonic pulse) to control the dog's barking.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Radio Systems Corporation of Knoxville, TN, on January 14, 2013. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 through the importation into the United States and sale of certain electronic bark control collars that infringe a patent asserted by Radio Systems Corporation. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a temporary exclusion order and a temporary cease and desist order, and a permanent exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified Sunbeam Products, Inc., d/b/a Jarden Consumer Solutions, of Boca Raton, FL, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-870), 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 in both the temporary and permanent relief phases. 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.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Wireless Communications Base Stations and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain wireless communications base stations and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are wireless communications base stations and components thereof for use with next-generation wireless-communication technologies such as 4G LTE.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Adaptix, Inc., of Carrolton, TX, on January 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 wireless communications base stations and components thereof that infringe a patent asserted by Adaptix, Inc. 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:
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson of Stockholm, Sweden; and
Ericsson Inc. of Plano, TX.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-871), 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.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Compact Fluorescent Reflector Lamps, Products Containing Same and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain compact fluorescent reflector lamps, products containing same and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are reflector lamps that utilize a fluorescent light source.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Andrzej Bobel and Neptun Light, Inc., both of Lake Forest, IL, on January 28, 2013. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and/or sale of certain compact fluorescent reflector lamps, products containing same and components thereof that infringe a patent 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:
Maxlite, Inc., of West Caldwell, NJ;
Technical Consumer Products, Inc., of Aurora, OH;
Satco Products, Inc., of Brentwood, NY; and
Litetronics International, Inc., of Alsip, IL.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-872), 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.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation on Certain Electronic Devices, Including Wireless Communication Devices, Tablet Computers, Media Players, and Televisions, and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices, including certain wireless communication devices, tablet computers, media players, and televisions, and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are various smartphones, along with base stations, 802.11-compliant televisions and Blu-Ray players, and tablet computers.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Ericsson Inc. of Plano, TX, and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson of Stockholm, Sweden, on November 30, 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 electronic devices, including wireless communication devices, tablet computers, media players, and televisions, 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:
Samsung Electronics America, Inc., of Ridgefield Park, NJ;
Samsung Telecommunications America LLC of Richardson, TX; and
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., of Seoul, Republic of Korea.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-862), 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.
Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Vietnam Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of steel wire garment hangers from Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC's affirmative determination, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from Vietnam.
The Commerce Department previously made affirmative critical circumstances determinations with regard to imports of this product from Vietnam. Therefore, the Commissioners who made affirmative injury determinations today are required to determine whether these imports are likely to undermine seriously the remedial effect of the orders Commerce will issue. All six Commissioners made negative determinations with regard to critical circumstances in these investigations. As a result, the orders concerning these imports will not apply to goods that entered the United States from Vietnam prior to the dates of the Department of Commerce's affirmative preliminary determinations.
The Commission's public report Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1198 (Final), USITC Publication 4371, January 2013) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
Copies may be obtained after February 18, 2013, 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.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1198 (Final)
Product Description: Steel wire garment hangers are garment hangers fabricated from carbon steel wire, whether or not galvanized or painted, whether or not coated with latex or epoxy or similar gripping materials, and/or whether or not fashioned with paper covers or capes (with or without printing) and/or nonslip features such as saddles or tubes. Steel wire garment hangers in this instance specifically exclude wooden, plastic, and other garment hangers that are not made of steel wire; steel wire garment hangers with swivel hooks; steel wire garment hangers with clips permanently affixed; and chrome-plated steel wire garment hangers with a diameter of 3.4mm or greater. Steel wire garment hangers are principally used by the drycleaning, industrial laundry and uniform rental industries for draping clothes and textiles.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: M&B Metal Products Company, Inc., Leeds, AL; Innovative Fabrication LLC /
Indy Hanger, Indianapolis, IN; and US Hanger Company, LLC, Gardena, CA.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: December 29, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: October 24, 2012.
5. USITC vote: January 16, 2013.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: January 28, 2013.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2011: 6.
2. Location of producers' plants: Alabama, California, Indiana, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, and
Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2011: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2011: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. From the subject countries during 2011: $2.5 million from Taiwan and $36.2 million from
Vietnam.
2. From other countries during 2011: $43.5 million.
3. Leading sources during 2011: Vietnam, Mexico, and China (in terms of total value).
(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation On Certain Paper Shredders, Certain Processes for Manufacturing or Relating to Same and Certain Products Containing Same and Certain Parts Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain paper shredders, certain processes for manufacturing or relating to same, and certain products containing same and certain parts thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are shredders used to destroy documents and other paper goods.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Fellowes, Inc., of Itasca, IL, and Fellowes Office Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., of Suzhou, China, on December 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 paper shredders, certain processes for manufacturing or relating to same, and certain products containing same and certain parts thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complaint also alleges misappropriation of trade secrets. 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:
New United Co. Group Ltd. of Changzhou, Jiangsu, China;
Jiangsu New United Office Equipments Co. Ltd. of Yaoguan, Jiangsu Province, China;
Shenzhen Elite Business Office Equipment Co. Ltd. of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China;
Elite Business Machines Ltd. of Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China;
New United Office Equipment USA, Inc., of Northbrook, IL;
Jiangsu Shinri Machinery Co. Ltd. of Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China;
Zhou Licheng of Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China;
Randall Graves of Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China; and
"Jessica" Wang Chongge of Xi'an City, Shaanzi Province, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-863), 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.
Certain Large Residential Washers from Korea and Mexico Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of certain large residential washers from Korea that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and from Korea and Mexico that Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC's affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order on imports of these products from Korea and antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from Korea and Mexico.
The Commission's public report Certain Large Residential Washers from Korea and Mexico (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-488 and 731-TA-1199-1200 (Final), USITC Publication 4378, February 2013) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
Copies may be obtained after March 1, 2013, 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.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Large Residential Washers from Korea and Mexico
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-488 and 731-TA-1199-1200 (Final)
Product Description: Large residential washers (LRWs) are appliances that remove soil from fabric, using water and detergent as the principal cleaning agents. All units feature wash, rinse, and spin cycles; have a cabinet width of at least 24.5 inches (62.23 cm) and no more than 32.0 inches (81.28 cm); and feature a rotational axis that is either vertical or horizontal. Further, all LRWs feature a metal drum or basket into which laundry is loaded, a plastic tub that holds water, a motor, a pump, and a user interface and control unit to set wash cycles.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC: December 30, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: December 11, 2012.
5. USITC vote: January 23, 2013.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: February 8, 2013.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2011: 4.
2. Location of producers' plants: Ripon, Wisconsin; Louisville, Kentucky; Groveport and
Clyde, Ohio.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2011: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2011: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. From the subject countries during 2011: $1.0 billion.
2. From other countries during 2011: $155 million.
3. Leading sources during 2011: Korea and Mexico (in terms of total value).
(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation on Certain Balloon Dissection Devices and Products Containing Same
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain balloon dissection devices and products containing same. The products at issue in this investigation are used by surgeons in performing laparoscopic hernia repair.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Covidien LP of Mansfield, MA, on December 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 balloon dissection devices and products containing same that infringe a patent asserted by Covidien. 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:
Pajunk Medizintechnik GmbH of Geisingen, Germany;
Pajunk Medizintechnologie GmbH of Geisingen, Germany; and
Pajunk Medical Systems L.P. of Norcross, GA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-865), 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.