May 25, 2022
News Release 22-063
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1315
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Digital Set-Top Boxes and Systems and Services Including the Same

Yesterday, May 24, 2022, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain digital set-top boxes and systems and services including 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 Broadband iTV, Inc. (BBiTV) of Austin, TX on April 22, 2022.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain digital set-top boxes and systems and services including 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 the respondents this investigation:

Comcast Corporation of Philadelphia, PA;
Comcast Cable Communications, LLC of Philadelphia, PA;
NBCUniversal Media, LLC of Universal City, CA;
Charter Communications, Inc. of Stamford, CT;
Charter Communications Operating, LLC of St. Louis, MO;
Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC of St. Louis, MO;
Spectrum Management Holding Company, LLC of St. Louis, MO;
Altice USA, Inc. of Long Island City, NY;
CSC Holdings, LLC of Long Island City, NY; and
Cablevision Systems Corp. of Bethpage, NY.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1315), 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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