ITC Asks for Comments on Possible Import Ban for Nokia, ZTE Devices

The International Trade Commission is asking for comments by July 7 on public interest factors it should consider as it decides whether to issue limited exclusion orders banning imports of some Nokia and ZTE devices. The ITC began its investigation on wireless devices with 3G or 4G capabilities in January 2013 in response to a request from InterDigital, which alleged patent infringement by way of imports of Nokia’s Lumia 822 and 920 and ZTE’s ZTE Avail, JetPack, and 4G Hotspot, among other devices. An administrative law judge on June 13 recommended issuing limited exclusion orders against Nokia and ZTE, as well as a cease and desist order against Nokia, should the commission find a violation of Section 337. The judge also recommended implementation of any limited exclusion orders be delayed by six months.