November 13, 2024
News Release 24-109
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1423
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Electronic Eyewear Products, Components Thereof, and Related Charging Apparatuses

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic eyewear products, components thereof, and related charging apparatuses. 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 IngenioSpec, LLC of San Jose, CA on October 10, 2024. 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 eyewear products, components thereof, and related charging apparatuses containing 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 respondents in this investigation:

  • ByteDance, Ltd. Beijing, China
  • ByteDance Inc., Wilmington, DE
  • Qingdao Chuangjian Weilai Technology Co., Ltd., Quindao City, China
  • Funnico Inc., San Jose, CA
  • PICO Immersive Pte, Ltd., Singapore
  • HTC Corporation, Taoyuan, City, Taiwan
  • HTC Europe Co Ltd., Berkshire, UK
  • HTC Poland SP Z O.O., Warszawa, Poland 
  • Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA
  • Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC, Menlo Park, CA
  • Meta Platforms Technologies Ireland Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
  • Meta Platforms Technologies UK Ltd., London, United Kingdom
  • Valve Corporation, Bellevue, WA
  • Valve GmbH Corporation, Hamburg, Germany

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1423), 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.

# # #