USITC launches investigation into Apple and HTC

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) yesterday announced that it has launched an investigation into Apple and HTC following a patent complaint.

In September, San Francisco-based INVT SPE complainedto the ITC alleging violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 after Apple, HTC and ZTE imported certain LTE and 3G-compliant cellular communications devices into the US.

According to INVT SPE, the companies imported devices that infringe its US patent numbers 6,760,590; 7,206,587; 7,764,711; 7,848,439; and 7,339,949.

All the patents relate to communication and transmission apparatus.

In its complaint, INVT SPE requested a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders against the respondents.

The ITC’s chief administrative law judge (ALJ) will now assign the case to one of the commission’s ALJs, who will then schedule an evidentiary hearing.

An initial determination on whether section 337 has been violated will then be made, although this will be subject to review by the ITC.

The commission will make its final determination on the investigation at the earliest possible date. Within 45 days of the launch of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for its completion.