News Release 24-094
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1419
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain exercise equipment and subassemblies 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 Balanced Body, Inc. of Sacramento, CA, on August 15, 2024 and supplemented on September 6, 2024. The complaint, as supplemented and amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain exercise equipment and subassemblies thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Guangzhou Oasis, LLC, d/b/a trysauna.com, Boulder, CO,
- Ciga Pilates, Kowloon, Hong Kong,
- Shandong Tmax Machinery Technology Co. Ltd., Dezhou City, China,
- Shandong VOG Sports Products Co. Ltd., Dezhou City, China,
- Dezhou Bodi Fitness Equipment Co., Ltd., Dezhou City, China, and
- Suzhou Selfcipline Sports Goods Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1419), 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.