The International Trade Commission has formally begun a Section 337 investigation on imported smartphones (Inv. No. 337-TA-1324), a Federal Register notice said. The investigation follows a June 16 complaint by Maxell, alleging infringement of six of its mobile communications and imaging patents by Lenovo and Motorola (see 2206230022). Maxell is seeking a permanent limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
Inconsistent documentation cost a manufacturer of plastic pallets, trays and lids duty-free treatment on returned items, CBP said in a June 13 HQ ruling addressed to the Automotive and Aerospace Center of Excellence and Expertise, directing it to deny a protest by ZF TRW Canada (ZF).
In the Aug. 17 Customs Bulletin (Vol. 56, No. 32), CBP published a proposal to revoke a ruling on musical candle holders.
Comments concerning the public interest ramifications of a possible general exclusion order on chocolate milk powder and packaging (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1232) are due to the International Trade Commission by the close of business on Sept. 2, it said in a notice. On Aug. 3, ITC Administrative Law Judge Mark Cheney issued an initial determination of violation in the investigation and recommended a general exclusion order.
Public interest statements are due Aug. 23 in two potential Section 337 investigations into imported voice controllable audio player devices by the International Trade Commission, according to a pair of Federal Register notices (ITC Inv. Nos. 337-TA-3634 and -3635). The solicitation follows the Aug. 9 receipt by the ITC of two complaints by Google alleging infringement of seven of its patents by Sonos.
The Court of International Trade agreed with the government that a nitrogen oxide sensor probe for diesel engines should be classified as an instrument of chemical analysis under Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 9027, rather than an instrument of measurement under heading 9026 (Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. v. U.S., CIT #18-00026). In an Aug. 12 opinion, Judge Jane Restani ruled in favor of the government's March 8 cross-motion for summary judgment (see 2203140007).
Public comments are due Aug. 22 in a Section 337 case at the International Trade Commission regarding imported pillows and seat cushions, a notice in the Federal Register said. The notice follows an Aug. 5 complaint by Purple Innovation, which alleges that 39 respondents are importing pillows and cushions that infringe on three of Purple's patents and violate its trademark of "Purple" in relation to seats and cushions. Purple says the respondents have engaged in misleading advertising and promotional activity in attempts to deceive customers. The patents at issue cover methods of cushion manufacturing and double-cushion pads. Purple has asked the ITC for a general exclusion order on products that infringe on one of Purple's design patents, a utility patent, and/or a trademark. In addition, Purple also seeks a limited exclusion order on products from the respondents that infringe on a separate utility patent and cease and desist orders against the respondents.
CBP affirmed a February determination that found substantial evidence of evasion of countervailing duties and antidumping duties on wooden cabinets from China by two importers, after a review of the case, according to a recently released notice.
The International Trade Commission began a formal Section 337 investigation Aug. 3 on imported video processing devices (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1323).
In the Aug. 3 Customs Bulletin (Vol. 56, No. 30), CBP published a proposal to revoke a ruling on insulated lunch bags.