ITC Begins Section 337 Investigation on Bulk Containers
The International Trade Commission is beginning a Section 337 investigation on bulk containers (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1434) after receiving allegations filed by Schütz Container Systems and Protechna S.A. that Chinese companies Shandong Jinshan Jieyuan Container, Zibo Jielin Plastic Pipe Manufacture, Shanghai Sakura Plastic Products (d/b/a Shanghai Yinghua Plastic Products) and Hebei Shijiheng Plastics are importing products that infringe its patents, the agency said in a Jan. 21 news release.
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In a complaint filed in December (see 2412100037), the complainants said the Chinese companies are importing products that infringe the patent on “certain composite intermediate bulk containers.’” The complainants describe the product as "industrial grade containers engineered for the mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids, semi-solids and pastes. IBCs consist of rigid packaging enclosing a plastic inner receptacles together with service and other structural equipment." The ITC will consider a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders against the respondents.