June 11, 2010
News Release 10-062
Inv. No. 337-TA-720
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION
ON CERTAIN BIOMETRIC SCANNING DEVICES, COMPONENTS THEREOF,
ASSOCIATED SOFTWARE, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain biometric scanning devices, components thereof, associated software, and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are biometric scanning devices and associated software used to capture and process unique physiological characteristics to verify the identity of individuals through fingerprints and palmprints images.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Cross Match Technologies, Inc., of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, on May 11, 2010, and amended on May 26, 2010. 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 biometric scanning devices, components thereof, associated software, and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by Cross Match. The complainant requests that the USITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Suprema, Inc., of Korea; and
Mentalix, Inc., of Plano, TX.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-720), 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.