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ITC Institutes Patent Investigation on Certain Base Stations and Wireless Microphones

The International Trade Commission has instituted a section 337 patent-based investigation of certain base stations and wireless microphones pursuant to a complaint.

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(The products at issue in this investigation are components of video-recording systems used in police vehicles to capture sound from a traffic stop.)

Exclusion and Cease & Desist Orders Requested

The complaint, filed on behalf of L-3 Communications Mobile-Vision, Inc. of Boonton, New Jersey, 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 base stations and wireless microphones that infringe certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 7,119,832.

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:

Enforcement Video, LP dba WatchGuard Video of Plano, TX;

Trinus Korea, Inc., of Republic of Korea;

Trinus Systems, Inc., USA of Norwalk, CA;

Telex Communications, Inc., of Lincoln, NE;

Safety Vision, LP of Houston, TX;

KCi Communications, Inc., of Lake Zurich, IL;

International Science Ventures Co., Ltd., of Republic of Korea;

ICOP Digital, Inc., of Lenexa, KS;

Digital Ally, Inc., of Overland Park, KS;

TriSquare Communications (Hong Kong) of Hong Kong; and

TriSquare Communications USA of Kansas City, MO.

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 - Thomas Fusco (202) 205-2571

ITC notice (Inv. No. 337-TA-653, FR Pub 08/26/08) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-19759.pdf

ITC press release (08-081, dated 08/21/08) available at http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2008/er0821ff1.htm