The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain protective cases for electronic devices and components thereof.  The products at issue in the investigation are certain types of protective cases that are typically used for consumer devices such as smartphones, tablets, and notebook computers.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Otter Products, LLP, of Fort Collins, CO, on March 11, 2015.  An amended complaint was filed on March 25, 2015.  The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain protective cases for electronic devices and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by Otter Products.  The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Speculative Product Design, LLC, of San Mateo, CA; and
Tech21 UK Limited of Twickenham, United Kingdom.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-955), 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.