ITC Institutes Patent Investigation on Certain Coaxial Cable Connectors, Components, and Products
The International Trade Commission has instituted a section 337 patent-based investigation of certain coaxial cable connectors and components thereof and products containing same pursuant to a complaint.
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(The products at issue in this investigation are coaxial cable connectors, known as "drop" or "F" connectors, which are used to connect coaxial cables to electrical devices such as televisions and computers.)
Exclusion and Cease & Desist Orders Requested
The complaint, filed on behalf of John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. d/b/a PPC, Inc. of East Syracuse, New York, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 based upon the importation into the U.S, the sale for importation, and the sale within the U.S. after importation of certain coaxial cable connectors and components thereof and products containing same that infringe certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,558,194, U.S. Patent No. 5,470,257, U.S. Patent No. D440,539, and U.S. Patent No. D519,076.
The complainant requests that after the investigation, the ITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
Respondents Alleged to Be in Violation of Section 337
The respondents are the following entities alleged to be in violation of section 337:
Aska Communication Corp. of Pompano Beach, FL;
Edali Industrial Corp. of Taiwan;
Fu Ching Technical Industrial Co., Ltd., of Taiwan;
Gem Electronics of Windsor, CT;
Zongguang Electronics of China;
Yangzhou Zongguang Electronics Co., Ltd. of China;
Yangzhou Zongguang Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. of China; and
Hanjiang Fei Yu Electronics Equipment Factory of China.
ALJ to Determine if Violation Occurred
By instituting this investigation, the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to an ITC administrative law judge (ALJ), who will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337, which is subject to review by the ITC.
(Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. ITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.)
ITC contact - Kevin Baer (202) 205-2221
ITC notice (Inv. No. 337-TA-650, FR Pub 05/30/08) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12028.pdf
ITC press release (08-050, dated 05/23/08) available at http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2008/er0523ff1.htm