December 21, 2020
News Release 20-144
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1234
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Radio Frequency ("RFID") Products, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain radio frequency identification (“RFID”) products, components thereof, and products containing the same.  The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Amtech Systems LLC of Albuquerque, NM, on November 13, 2020.  Supplements to the complaint were filed on November 16, 2020 and December 9, 2020.  The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain radio frequency identification (“RFID”) products, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant.  The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

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

Kapsch TrafficCom AG of Vienna, Austria;
Kapsch TrafficCom B.V. of Breda Noord-Brabant, Netherlands;
Kapsch TrafficCom Canada, Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada;
Kapsch TrafficCom Holding Corp. of McLean, VA;
Kapsch TrafficCom Holding II US Corp. of McLean, VA;
Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS, Inc. of McLean, VA;
Kapsch TrafficCom USA, Inc. of McLean, VA;
Kapsch TrafficCom Inc. of McLean, VA; and
Kapsch TrafficCom Services USA, Inc. of McLean, VA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1234), 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.

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