January 13, 2011
News Release11-006
Inv. No. 337-TA-755
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION
ON CERTAIN STARTER MOTORS AND ALTERNATORS
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain starter motors and alternators.
The investigation is based on an amended complaint filed by Remy International, Inc., and Remy Technologies, LLC, both of Pendleton, IN, on January 3, 2011, which amended a complaint originally filed on December 9, 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 starter motors and alternators that infringe patents asserted by Remy. 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:
Wetherill Associates, Inc., d/b/a WAIGIobal, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL;
Linhai Yongci of China;
Metric Sales & Engineering of Northfield, IL;
Wan Li Industrial Development, Inc., of South El Monte, CA;
Yongkang Boyu Auto Motor Company of China;
Wuxi Susan Auto Parts Company of China;
American Automotive Parts, Inc., of Niles, IL; and
Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., of Torrance, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-755), 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.