July 21, 2023
News Release 23-065
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1367
Contact: Lawrence Jones, 202-205-1819
USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES HAVING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices and semiconductor devices having wireless communication capabilities and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation (notice of investigation).

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bell Northern Research, LLC of Chicago, IL, on June 21, 2023, and supplemented on July 3, 2023, and July 11, 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 electronic devices and semiconductor devices having wireless communication capabilities 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 respondents in this investigation:

  • ASUSTek Computer Inc., of Taipei, Taiwan;
  • ASUS Computer International., of Fremont, CA; 
  • Laird Connectivity, LLC, of Akron, OH;
  • Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., of San Diego, CA;
  • MediaTek Inc., of Hsinchu, Taiwan;
  • MediaTek USA Inc., of San Jose, CA;
  • NXP Semiconductors N.V., of Eindhoven, Netherlands; and 
  • NXP USA, Inc., of Austin, TX. 

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1367), 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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