August 31, 2021
News Release 21-111
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1280
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Laptops, Desktops, Servers, Mobile Phones, Tablets, and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones, tablets, and components thereof.  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 Sonrai Memory Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland, on August 2, 2021.  An amended complaint was filed on August 6, 2021.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones, tablets, and components thereof 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:

Amazon.com, Inc., of Seattle, WA;
Dell Technologies Inc. of Round Rock, TX;
EMC Corporation of Round Rock, TX;
Lenovo Group Ltd. of Beijing, China;
Lenovo (United States) Inc. of Morrisville, NC;
Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, IL;
LG Electronics Inc. of Seoul, South Korea;
LG Electronics USA, Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, NJ;
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; and
Samsung Electronics America, Inc., of Ridgefield Park, NJ.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1280), 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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