News Release 19-116
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1184
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain shaker screens for drilling fluids, components thereof, and related marketing materials. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on an amended complaint filed by M-I L.L.C. of Houston, TX, on November 7, 2019. 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 shaker screens for drilling fluids, components thereof, and related marketing materials that infringe patents and registered trademarks asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests 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:
Hebei GN Solids Control Co., Ltd., of Langfang, China;
GN Solids America LLC of Houston, TX;
Anping Shengjia Hardware Mesh Co., Ltd., of Hengshui City, China;
Hebei Hengying Wire Cloth Co., Ltd., of Hebei Province, China;
Xi’an Brightway Energy Equipment Co., Ltd., of Xi’an City, High Tech Development Zone, China; and
Brightway Solids Control Co., Ltd., of Houston, TX.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1184), 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.