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.
Ben Perkins
Ben Perkins, Assistant Editor, is a reporter with International Trade Today and its sister publications, Trade Law Daily and Export Compliance Daily, where he covers sanctions, court rulings, and other international trade issues. He previously worked as a trade analyst for a Washington D.C. advisory firm. Ben holds a B.A. in English from the University of New Hampshire and an M.A. in International Relations from American University. Ben joined the staff of Warren Communications News in 2022.
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 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 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.
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.
Carbon dioxide cartridges designed for use in air guns are properly classified in subheading 2811.21.00 as “Other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of nonmetals: Other inorganic oxygen compounds of nonmetals: Carbon dioxide,” CBP said in a Dec. 16 Headquarters Ruling. The ruling was made in response to a request by Crosman to reconsider an earlier New York office ruling. Crosman asked CBP to reclassify the cartridges under subheading 9305.99.50 as gun parts and accessories.
Comments are due to the International Trade Commission by Jan. 13 on a potential Section 337 investigation on thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonists, it said in a notice. The notice follows a Dec. 29 complaint by Viking Therapeutics, which seeks to exclude certain selective thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonists of the companies Ascletis Bioscience, Ascletis Pharma, Ascletis Pharmaceuticals and Gannex Pharma, which Viking says import thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonists that use and are made from the "unlawfully misappropriated" trade secrets belonging to Viking. The complaint also names Jinzi "Jason" Wu, founder of Ascletis Pharma, who is currently CEO and chairman of the board. Viking seeks a permanent limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.
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.
The International Trade Commission has determined to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order against imported Apple Watches for patent infringement (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1266) but suspended the enforcement pending a patent decision by the Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Trial and Appeal Board, it said in a notice released Dec. 29.
The International Trade Commission has begun a formal Section 337 investigation on imported location-sharing systems and related software and components (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1347), it said in a Federal Register notice. The investigation follows a Nov. 16 by Advanced Ground Information Systems (AGIS). The complaint alleges that Google, Samsung, OnePlus Technology, TCL Technology Group, TCT Mobile, Motorola Mobility, Lenovo, HMD, Sony, ASUSTek, ASUS Computer, Caterpillar, BLU Products, Panasonic, Kyocera, Xiaomi and related companies and subsidiaries import smart phones and similar products that infringe on five patents held by AGIS, covering forced message alert software, interactive mapping and network setup tools. AGIS has asked the ITC for a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.