June 11, 2014
News Release 14-061
Inv. No. 337-TA-919
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain archery products and related marketing materials. The products at issue in this investigation are archery components commonly used for hunting and target archery.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bear Archery, Inc., of Evansville, IN, and SOP Services, Inc., of Las Vegas, NV, on May 9, 2014. A letter amending the complaint was filed on May 27, 2014. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain archery products and related marketing materials that infringe patents and/or trademarks asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order.

The USITC has identified Ningbo Topoint Outdoor Sports Co., Ltd., of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-919), 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.