The International Trade Commission has initiated a formal Section 337 investigation on imported active matrix organic LED display panels for mobile devices, according to a notice in the Federal Register (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1351). Samsung has asked for a general exclusion order, arguing that it would prevent circumvention of a limited order and because "a pattern of violations" makes it difficult to identify the sources of the infringing products.
Timing chain guides used in automotive engines are properly classified in Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 8409 as parts for use in engines rather than in heading 8708 as parts for motor vehicles, CBP said in a recently released ruling. The ruling came in response to a request for further review of a denied protest on behalf of US Tsubaki Holdings. Tsubaki entered three models of timing chain guides under heading 8409 but CBP liquidated the entries as parts of vehicles.
The International Trade Commission is seeking public interest statements on a possible limited exclusion order directed at wearable electronic devices with light-based pulse oximetry functionality (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1276), according to a notice released Jan. 30.
CBP found reasonable suspicion that 14 importers evaded antidumping duty orders on thermal paper from Germany and South Korea, and initiated an Enforce and Protect Act investigation and imposed interim measures, according to a Jan. 24 notice.
Comments are due to the International Trade Commission by Feb, 2 regarding a potential investigation on certain pick-up truck folding bed covers (ITC Docket No. 3665), it said in a Federal Register notice. The notice follows a Jan. 19 complaint filed by Extang, Laurmark (doing business as BAK Industries) and UnderCover, which accused 21 companies of importing folding truck bed covers that infringe five patents held by BAK, one held by Extang, and one held by UnderCover relating to latching systems, hinge systems, fluid routing, extension plates, and other features of folding truck bed covers. The complainants have asked for a general exclusion order on pick-up truck folding bed cover systems or a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against the respondents.
The International Trade Commission has begun a formal Section 337 investigation on imported semiconductors, it said in a Federal Register notice (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1350). A Dec. 12 complaint by Realtek Semiconductor Corporation of Taiwan alleged that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) engages in unfair import practices by importing computer processors that infringe on three of Realtek's patents for integrated circuit manufacturing with smaller inductor areas, power routing to power domains and capacitor arrangement. Realtek has asked the ITC for a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against AMD.
The International Trade Commission will review a final initial determination regarding imported video surveillance equipment (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1281), it said in a notice released Jan. 18. The decision follows Administrative Law Judge Bryan Moore's Oct. 24 final initial determination, which found respondent Verkada of San Mateo, California, had violated Section 337 by importing certain video security equipment and systems that infringed one of three patents named in the complaint that are held by Motorola and Avigilon. The ITC then asked for public interest statements (see 2210310032). Both complainants and Verkada submitted public interest statements but no submissions were received from outside parties.
The International Trade Commission issued another request for public interest statements regarding a possible general exclusion order banning all imports of knock-off footwear infringing on trademarks held by Crocs (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1270), according to a notice released Jan. 18. The request follows a Jan. 9 final determination by Administrative Law Judge Bryan Moore, which found no violation but recommended a general exclusion order should the commission disagree.
The International Trade Commission has formally begun a Section 337 investigation on components for environmentally protected LCD digital displays, according to a Jan. 4 notice (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1349). The investigation follows a Dec. 5 complaint by Samsung, which alleged that Manufacturing Resources International (MRI) imports "at least one or more critical components" for universal mount and free-standing outdoor displays that Samsung says infringe on five of its patents. Samsung seeks a limited exclusion order against MRI to prevent the import of display components and a cease and desist order prohibiting MRI from engaging in importation, sale, advertising, marketing or distribution related to the imported components or final products.
The International Trade Commission posted the 2023 Basic Edition of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The new HTS implements the removal of AGOA benefits for Burkina Faso, as well as a lengthy list of 10-digit-level changes, including a bevy of new organic provisions for fruits and vegetables, more detailed provisions for plywood of tropical wood, and new tariff breakouts for pillows. Changes were effective as of Jan. 1 unless otherwise noted.