ITC Begins Investigation of Violations of GEO, C/D Orders in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Patent Case

The International Trade Commission began an enforcement proceeding against six companies to investigate allegations that they violated a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders related to the Section 337 patent investigation of certain ground fault circuit interrupters and products containing same (337-TA-739). Leviton Manufacturing alleges that Menard, Westside Wholesale Electric & Lighting, and American Ace Supply violated cease and desist orders by (1) selling ground fault circuit interrupters that violate some of its patent claims; (2) selling these products during the Presidential review period without posting an appropriate bond, and (3) by failing to file accurate reports with the ITC. Leviton also alleges that Shanghai ELE, Shanhai Jia AIO, and American Electric Depot violated the general exclusion order against these products by importing ground fault circuit interrupters during the Presidential review period without posting the appropriate bond.