ITC Institutes Patent Investigation on Certain Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp Inverter Circuits and Products Containing Same
The International Trade Commission has instituted a section 337 patent-based investigation of certain cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) inverter circuits and products containing same pursuant to a complaint.
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(The products at issue in this investigation are used in notebook computer screens and other LCD displays.)
Exclusion and Cease & Desist Orders Requested
The complaint, filed on behalf of O2 Micro International Ltd. of the Cayman Islands and O2 Micro Inc. of Santa Clara, California, 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 cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) inverter circuits and products containing same that infringe certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,417,382; 6,856,519; 6,809,938; and 7,120,035.
The complainants request that after the investigation, the ITC issue exclusion orders and cease and desist orders.
Respondents Alleged to Be in Violation of Section 337
The ITC has identified the following respondents alleged to be in violation of section 337:
Monolithic Power Systems Inc. of San Jose, CA;
Microsemi Corporation of Irvine, CA;
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. of Taiwan;
ASUSTeK Computer International America of Fremont, CA;
LG Electronics of Korea;
LG Electronics U.S.A. of Englewood Cliffs, NJ;
LG Display Co., Ltd., of Korea;
LG Display America, Inc., of San Jose, CA;
BenQ Corporation of Taiwan; and
BenQ America Corp. of Irvine, CA.
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 - David Lloyd (202) 205-2576
ITC notice (Inv. No. 337-TA-666, FR Pub 01/14/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-561.pdf
ITC press release (09-003, dated 01/09/09) available at http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2009/er0109gg1.htm