News Release 23-033
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1359
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain portable battery jump starters 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 The NOCO Company of Glenwillow, OH, on February 13, 2023. An amended complaint was filed on March 13, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain portable battery jump starters and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Shenzhen Carku Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Aukey Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
- Metasee LLC of Pearland, TX;
- Ace Farmer LLC of Houston, TX;
- Shenzhen Gooloo E-Commerce Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen China;
- Gooloo Technologies LLC of Shenzhen, China;
- Shenzhen Konghui Trading Co., Ltd., d/b/a Hulkman Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- HULKMAN LLC of Santa Clara, CA;
- Shenzhen Take Tools Co. Ltd. of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Shenzhenshi Daosishangmao Youxiangongsi d/b/a/ Fanttik Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Shenzhenshi Dianjia Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a Yesper Direct (Hong Kong Haowei Technology Co. Ltd.) of Hong Kong;
- Shenzhenshi Xinmeitemuxiangbao Zhuangyouxiangongsi d/b/a Thikpo (Spanarci) of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Guangzhou Sihao Trading Co., Ltd d/b/a Snailhome (Audew) of Shenzhen, China;
- ChangShaHongMaoKai KeJiYouXianGongSi d/b/a TopdonStarter of ChangSha HuNan China;
- Shenzhenshi Shoudiankejiyouxiangongsi d/b/a Solvtin of Sshenzhen Longhuaqu China;
- Shenzhen Winplus Shenzhen Pinwang Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, China;
- Winplus North America, Inc. of Costa Mesa, CA;
- Winplus NA, LLC of Costa Mesa, CA; and
- ADC Solutions Auto LLC d/b/a Type S Auto of Costa Mesa, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1359), 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.