ITC Blog: ITC 337 Update

On October 11, 2011, Acting Chief ALJ Bullock granted in part Respondent UPI Semiconductor Corporation’s motion to extend the evidentiary hearing and target dates in the enforcement proceeding for Inv. No. 337-TA-698, Certain DC Controllers and Products Containing Same. The ALJ also set the procedural schedule for the investigation. The hearing is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2012, with the Initial Determination due on June 4, 2012 and a target date set for October 6, 2012. The Complainants in the investigation are Richtek Technology Corp. and Richtek USA, Inc.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 22, Acting Chief ALJ Bullock issued an order setting the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-799, Certain Computer Forensic Devices and Products Containing the Same, based on the parties' joint revised procedural schedule. Under the schedule issued by ALJ Bullock, trial will take place May 3-9, 2012, with December 29, 2012 as the target date for completion of the investigation.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 20, Acting Chief ALJ Bullock granted the parties' joint motion to amend the procedural schedule in 337-TA-565, Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof. The new date for the close of discovery is October 3, 2011, and the hearing is now scheduled for November 14-17, 2011.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 19, Acting Chief ALJ Bullock issued an initial determination setting the target date of Inv. No. 337-TA-806, Certain Digital Televisions Containing Integrated Circuit Devices and Components Thereof. The target date is April 19, 2013, nineteen months from issuance of the notice of investigation. ALJ Bullock also issued notice of the ground rules for this Investigation in his initial determination.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 15, 2011, Acting Chief ALJ Charles E. Bullock issued an initial determination granting complainant Cypress Semiconductor Corp., respondent Arrow Electronics, Inc., and respondent Nu Horizons Electronics Corp.’s joint motion to terminate Inv. No. 337-TA-792, Certain Static Random Access Memories and Products Containing Same, based on a the respondents consenting not to import into the Unietd States GSI static random access memories that infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 6,534,805; 6,651,134; 7,142,477; and 6,262,937.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

Acting Chief ALJ Charles E. Bullock, in light of administrative burdens related to the retirement of Chief Judge Luckern and the assumption of Judge Luckern's case load, extended the target date in Certain Portable Electronic Devices and Related Software, Inv. No. 337-TA-721, from January 17, 2012 by one month.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

Acting Chief Administrative Law Judge Bullock denied a motion to consolidateinvestigations filed by Respondents LG Electronics, Inc., LG Innotek Co., LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., and LG Innotek U.S.A., Inc. (“LG") in Investigation No. 337-TA-785, Certain Light-Emitting Diodes and Products Containing Same (“785 Investigation”).   In their motion to consolidate the 785 Investigation with the earlier instituted 784 Investigation, LG argued that such consolidation would conserve resources, allow for efficient discovery, expert reports, motions and a single evidentiary hearing.  However, the motion was opposed by Complainant OSRAM GmbH and, while not opposed by Samsung, Samsung indicated that it “remained skeptical that a consolidated investigation -- which would result in an inordinately complex investigation involving a total of fourteen patents and more than 210 asserted claims -- would not work to their disadvantage.”  Acting Chief Administrative Judge Bullock, finding no compelling reason to combine the investigations, agreed with Samsung that consolidation would result in an complex investigation which would not simplify and expedite the Commission’s investigations. On the same day, August 23, 211, ALJ Essex denied LG’s companion motion to consolidate filed in the 784 Investigation. 

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On August 2, 2011 ALJ Bullock issued an order setting an eighteen month target date of January 21, 2013 for Inv. No. 337-TA-789, Certain Digital Televisions and Components Thereof. Complainant Vizio, Inc. and Respondents Corpus, Inc.; Westinghouse Digital, LLC; Mstar Semiconductor, Inc.; Coby Electronics, Corp.; Sceptre, Inc.; Renesas Electronics Corp.; Renesas Electronics America, Inc.; Curtis International Ltd.; and E&S International Enterprises Inc. are ordered to submit a proposed procedural schedule by August 8, 2011.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On August 2, 2011, ALJ Bullock issued an order setting the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-781, Certain Microprocessors, Components Thereof, and Products Containing Same. The hearing is scheduled to begin on May 14, 2012, with the Initial Determination due on October 5, 2012 and a target date set for February 7, 2013. The Complainant in the Investigation is X2Y Attenuators, LLC and the Respondents are Intel Corporation, Componentes Intel de Costa Rica S.A., Intel Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, Intel Products (Shanghai) Ltd., Intel Products (Chengdu) Ltd., Apple Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Company.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock denied Respondents International Business Machines, BDT AG and BDT-Solutions GmbH & Co. (among others)'s motion for summary determination that the accused products do not infringe asserted claim 15 of U.S. Patent No. 6,353,581, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.  ALJ Bullock also denied Respondents' motion for summary determination that the accused products do not infringe claims 1-2, 5-7, 9-10, 12, and 16 of the '581 patent.  In both orders issued, ALJ Bullock found that genuine issues of material fact existed that precluded the issuance of summary determinations.  The Complainant is Overland Storage, Inc.  The investigation is 337-TA-746, Certain Automated Library Devices. 

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On July 7, 2011 ALJ Bullock issued an Initial Determination granting complainant Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.'s (“Leviton”) motion to terminate Inv. No. 337-TA-739, Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Products Containing the Same, as to Respondent, Coleman Cable.  Coleman Cable was added to the investigation on May 19, 2010 after its acquisition of Respondent, The Designers Edge (“TDE”). Thereafter, Leviton learned that Coleman Cable had not purchased any of TDE’s GFCI assets as part of the acquisition and as a result filed its motion to terminate the investigation as to Coleman Cable.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

The Commission declined review today of ALJ Bullock's May 17 initial determination finding Respondents Norcross Electric Supply Co., Inc. in default, in Inv. No. 337-TA-739, Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and Products Containing Same.  No party petitioned for review of the initial determination, which found that Norcross had refused to make or cooperate in discovery.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On June 2, 2011, the International Trade Commission agreed to institute an investigation regarding Certain Wireless Communication Devices and Systems, Components Thereof, and Products Containing Same. The complainant Linex Technologies, Inc. claims that respondents HP, Apple, Aruba Networks, Meru Networks, and Ruckus Wireless are violating section 337 by importing devices that infringe claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,757,322, and RE42,219. The investigation is number 337-TA-775 and has been assigned to ALJ Bullock.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On April 18, ALJ Bullock issued an order setting the procedural schedule for Inv. No. 337-TA-764, Certain Digital Televisions And Components Thereof, And Certain Electronic Devices Having A Blu-Ray Disc Player And Components Thereof.  Fact discovery is scheduled to be completed by October 11, 2011 and summary determination motions must be filed by November 23, 2011.  Trial is scheduled to begin January 23, 2012 and end on February 3.  The initial determination is due no later than May 10, 2012.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued an initial determination terminating respondent Warehouse-Lighting.com LLC from Inv. No. 337-TA-739,  Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Products Containing the Same. The order issued in response to a joint motion filed by Warehouse Lighting.com and complainant Leviton Manufacturing. Co. Inc. to terminate the Investigation based on a consent order stipulation. The Commission Investigative Staff supported the motion.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On April 6, 2011, an initial determination by ALJ Charles E. Bullock dismissed Respondent Sutherland Lumber of Kansas City, LLC from Inv. No. 337-TA-739, Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Products Containing the Same. The initial determination resulted from a joint motion of Complainant and Sutherland to terminate the investigation based on a consent order stipulation. The investigation continues with regard to the other Respondents.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On March 15, 2011, ALJ Charles E. Bullock issued an Initial Determination finding Respondent W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc. d/b/a Aubuchon Hardware (“Aubuchon”) in default. This order was in response to Complainant Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s motion for Aubuchon to show cause why it should not be found in default for failure to respond to an order compelling discovery. Aubuchon did not show cause. This investigation continues against the other named respondents.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On February 2, 2011, ALJ Charles E. Bullock granted complainant Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s motion for an order directing respondent Littman Brothers Energy Supplies, Inc. (“Littman”) to show cause why it should not be found in default for failure to respond to the complaint and notice of investigation in Inv. No. 337-TA-739, Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Products Containing the Same. The order specified that Littman has until the close of business on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 to respond.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On February 2, 2011, ALJ Charles E. Bullock issued an initial determination setting a target date of August 2, 2012 in Inv. No. 337-TA-758, Certain Mobile Telephones and Modems. The complainant in this investigation is Sony Corporation. The respondents include LG Electronics LG Electronics, Inc., LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc, and LG Electronics Mobilecomm U.S.A., Inc.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On January 28, 2011, ALJ Charles E. Bullock granted complainant Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s motion for partial termination of the pending investigation in Inv. No. 337-TA-739, Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Products Containing the Same. The complainant’s granted motion to terminate the pending investigation “to the extent Leviton’s claims are based on any GFCI products made, used, offered for sale, sold or imported in the United States by Respondent General Protecht Group,” had the practical effect of dismissing the following respondents: General Protecht Group, Inc., SecureElectric Corporation and G-Techt Global Corporation. The investigation continues against the remaining respondents.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On January 28, 2011, ALJ Charles E. Bullock issued an order establishing the construction of disputed claim terms of the patents at issue in Inv. No. 337-TA-721, Certain Portable Electronic Devices and Related Software. The complainant is HTC Corp and the respondent is Apple Inc., a/k/a Apple Computer, Inc

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On January 26, 2011, ALJ Charles E. Bullock granted complainant Vizio, Inc.’s and respondent LG Electronics, Inc. and LG Electronics, USA’s joint motion to terminate Inv. No. 337-TA-733, Certain Flat Panel Digital Televisions and Components Thereof, based on a settlement and license agreement. 

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On December 20, 2010, ALJ Charles E. Bullock issued an Initial Determination in Inv. No. 337-TA-739, In the Matter of Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Products Containing Same, granting a joint motion to termination the investigation as to respondent Ingram Products, Inc. based on a consent order stipulation. The complainant is Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Pursuant to the consent order, Ingram agrees not to import into the United States, sell for importation into the United States, or sell within the United States after importation any of the ground fault circuit interrupters accused of infringing U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,463,124, 7,737,809, 7,764,151, except to the extent permitted under the Parties’ Settlement Agreement.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On December 1, 2010 ALJ Bullock granted Complainant Radiodetection, Ltd. and Respondent Leidi Utility Supply (Shanghai) Ltd’s joint, unopposed motion to terminate the investigation as to Leidi Utility in Inv. No. 337-TA-727, Certain Underground Cable and Pipe Locators. This motion follows the joint motion of Complainant and Respondents Vivax Corporation, Metrotech Corporation, and SebaKMT Holding GmbH to terminate the Investigation as to all Respondents based on a settlement agreement. Although Leidi Utility is not a party to the settlement, the agreement released Leidi with respect to the allegations of patent infringement against it in this investigation.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

Chief ALJ Luckern assigned ALJ Bullock to Inv. No. 337-TA-746, In the Matter of Certain Automated Media Library Devices.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

Complainant Radiodetection, Ltd. and Respondents Vivax-Metrotech Corp., Seba KMT, and Leidi Utility Supply Ltd. filed a joint motion to terminate the investigation based on a settlement agreement in Inv. No. 337-TA-727, In the Matter of Certain Underground Cable and Pipe Locators.  The public version of the settlement agreement, filed as an exhibit to the joint motion, indicates that Respondents have entered into a license to U.S. Patent Nos. 6,268,731 and 5,260,659 (and their foreign counterparts).  This settlement appears to also resove the pending Eastern District of Virginia litigation (Case No. 1:10-CV-00644), but explicitly "does not releease [Leidi Utility Supply] from any claims, obligations, or demands in litigation between Radiodetection and [Leidi Utility Supply] currently pending in Chinese courts."

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

Complainant Radiodetection, Ltd. and Respondents Vivax-Metrotech Corp., Seba KMT, and Leidi Utility Suply Ltd. filed a joint motion to stay the investigation in Inv. No. 337-TA-727, In the Matter of Certain Underground Cable and Pipe Locators.  The parties represented that a stay is warranted because "Complainant and Respondents have been engaged in serious settlement negotiations and, as a result, are concurrently filing a motion to terminate this investigation based on reaching a settlement."  The Staff reserved its position until it could review the papers.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock set the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-739 relating to Certain Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Productions Containing Same.  The hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2011 - August 3, 2011 with a November 8, 2011 initial determination due date and March 8, 2012 target date for completion of the investigation.  The complainant is Leviton Mfg. Co.  The respondents are Fujian Hongan Elec. Co., Ltd.; General Protecht Group, Inc.; Shanghai ELE Mfg. Corp.; Zhejiang Trimone Co. Ltd.; Zhejiang Easting House Elec. Co.; Menard, Inc.; Frontier Lighting, Inc.; The Designers Edge, Inc.; Garvin Industries, Inc.; Central Purchasing, LLC; Orbit Industries, Inc.; Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.; Ready Wholesale Electric and Lighting, Inc.; Warehouse-Lighting.com LLC; Sutherland Lumber Co. of Kansas City, LLC d/b/a Sutherlands; SecurElectric Corp.; W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc. d/b/a Aubuchon Hardware; G-Techt Global Corp.; Westside Wholesale Electric & Lighting, Inc.; Deerso, Inc.; Contractor Lighting & Supply, Inc.; Interline Brands, Inc. d/b/a AF Lighting; New Aspen Devices Corp.; American Ace Supply Inc.; Royal Pacific Ltd.; Safety Plus Products, Inc.; Littman Bros. Energy Supplies, Inc.; Norcross Electric Supply Co.; Ingram Prods., Inc.; and American Electric Depot Inc.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On October 22, ALJ Bullock issued notice of his Initial Determination in Inv. No. 337-TA-664, Certain Flash Memory Chips and Products Containing Same. In his Initial Determination, ALJ Bullock found that no violation of section 337 occurred in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain flash memory devices and products containing same, in connection with claims 1-3 and 5-8 of U.S. Patent No. 6,376,877 and claims 13, 15-18 and 20-22 of U.S. Patent No. 5,715,194. In addition, ALJ Bullock found that a domestic industry does not exist that practices U.S. Patent Nos. 6,376,877 and 5,715,194. A complete public record of the Initial Determination will be issued once the parties have submitted their redactions and ALJ Bullock has had an opportunity to review those redactions.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock has set the procedural schedule in 337-TA-733, Certain Flat Panel Digital Televisions And Components Thereof.   A claim construction order is scheduled to issue on March 25, 2011, and an initial determination is due no later than October 19, 2011.  The target date has been previously set for February 19, 2012.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock has extended the target date one month, to October 22, 2010, in 337-TA-664, Certain Flash Memory Chips And Products Containing Same, due to the complexity of the investigation and current workload.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued two orders denying summary determination in Inv. No. 337-TA-704, Certain Mobile Communication Devices and Components Thereof.  ALJ Bullock denied complainant Nokia's motion for summary determination that respondent Apple, Inc. had failed to satisfy the domestic industry requirement for U.S. Patent No. 5,920,726.  ALJ Bullock also denied respondent Apple Inc.'s motion for summary determination that Nokia is not licensed to practice U.S. Patent Nos. 5,379,431, 5,455,599, or 6,424,354 because genuine issues of material fact remained in the investigation.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued a scheduling order setting the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-727, Certain Underground Cable and Pipe Locators.  The hearing is set to begin April 15, 2011 with the initial determination by June 17, 2011 and a target date of October 19, 2011.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock has issued an order setting the ground rules and a target date in Inv. No. 337-TA-727, Certain Underground Cable and Pipe Locators. October 19, 2011 has been set as the target date for completion of the investigation, with a hearing scheduled for approximately April 15, 2011.  ALJ Bullock also required the parties to submit discovery statements by August 6, 2010.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

After remand from the Federal Circuit, Inv. No. 337-TA-567, Certain Foam Footwear, has been assigned to ALJ Bullock.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

The Commission issued a notice that it has determined not to review a June 4, 2010 initial determination by ALJ Bullock granting a joint motion to terminate respondents in Inv. No. 337-TA-708, Certain Stringed Musical Instruments and Components Thereof. The joint motion to terminate respondents Floyd Rose Guitars, Floyd Rose Marketing, Inc., Davitt & Hanser Music Co. d/b/a HHI, and Ping Well Industries, Co., Ltd. was based on a consent order stipulation with complainant Geoffrey McCabe, which has been issued by the Commission. The consent order provides that the respondents will not, except under consent or license from complainant or his assignees, sell for importation, import into the United States or sell in the United States after important, or knowingly aid such actions, in regards to the accused stringed musical instruments.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock granted B&R Plastics Inc.'s motion to terminate the investigation via withdrawal of the Complaint in Inv. No. 337-TA-693, Certain Foldable Stools. The motion was not opposed by the Respondents, except that Respondents requested the Court delay its ruling on the motion to terminate until after the Court ruled on Respondents' request for sanctions. The Court found that there were no extraordinary circumstances which would prevent termination of the investigation. The Court further found that the Respondents' request for leave to file a motion for sanctions failed to comply with Commission Rules 210.15, 210.4, and Ground Rule 3.2. The Court went on to grant Complainant's motion to terminate the investigation based on the withdrawal of its Complaint.

Motion To Withdraw Complaint and Terminate Investigation (.PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock has issued an initial determinating terminating Inv. No. 337-TA-708, Certain Stringed Musical Instruments and Components Thereof (II), as to Floyd Rose Guitars, Floyd Rose Marketing, Inc., Davitt & Hanser Music Co., and Ping Well Industries based on a consent order.  The remaning respondents are Ibanez, Inc. (Hoshino) US and Ibanez, Inc. (Hoshino) Japan, Ltd.

ID Granting Joint Motion To Terminate Investigation (.PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On May 11, 2010, ALJ Charles Bullock granted respondent Kikkerland Design, Inc.’s motion to amend its answer to add an affirmative defense of invalidity under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b), in Inv. No. 337-TA-693, Certain Foldable Stools. The Order is confidential. 

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On May 11, 2010, ALJ Bullock set the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-708, Certain Stringed Musical Instruments and Components, with an August 2, 2011 target date for completion of the investigation. The complainant is Geoffrey McCabe, and the respondents are Floyd Rose Guitars, Floyd Rose Marketing, Inc., Davitt & Hanser Music Co., Ping Well Industrial Co., Ltd., Hoshino (U.S.A.) Inc., and Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

The ITC issued the public version of ALJ Rogers March 24, 2010 Initial Determination on Temporary Relief in 337-TA-695, Certain Silicon Microphone Packages and Products Containing Same. The ALJ denied complainant Knowles Electronics LLC’s motion, finding that the respondents had raised a substantial question of invalidity as to all but one claim asserted, and the complainant had failed to establish a likelihood of success showing infringement for that claim. The ALJ also determined that the complainant had failed to show irreparable harm, and that the public interest did not require temporary relief. 

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

The ITC issued the public version of ALJ Bullock’s March 23, 2010 Supplemental Initial Determination on remand that there was no violation of Section 337 in 337-TA-501, Certain Encapsulated Integrated Circuit Devices and Products Containing Same.

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued an initial determination in 337-TA-644, Certain Flash Memory Chips and Products Containing Same, granting complainants Spansion, Inc. and Spansion, LLC’s motion to withdraw U.S. Patent No. 6,080,639 from the complaint without prejudice. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On March 29, 2010 ALJ Bullock issued his initial determination in Inv. No. 337-TA-693, In the Matter of Certain Foldable Stools, granting complainant B & R Plastics’ motion seeking a determination that respondents Ningbo ZhongTian Co., Ltd., Ningbo Ningfeng Import and Export Co. Ltd. and Always Something Brilliant in default based on their failure to respond to the complaint and notice of investigation. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On March 22, 2010, ALJ Bullock issued an order setting the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-704, In the Matter of Certain Mobile Communication and Computer Devices and Components Thereof. ALJ Bullock set February 24, 2011 as the due date for an Initial Determination and June 24, 2011 as the target date for completion of the investigation. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued an Initial Determination in Inv. No. 337-TA-664, In the Matter of Certain Flash Memory Chips and Products Containing the Same, granting complainants Spansion, Inc. and Spansion LLC’s consent motion for partial termination of the Investigation as to all asserted claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,380,029 without prejudice. Spansion argued that the “motion would significantly reduce the number of issues to be decided by the Commission.” (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On March 11, 2010 the Commission issued notice of its determination not to review an initial determination of presiding ALJ Bullock terminating Inv. No. 337-TA-699, In the Matter of Certain Liquid Crystal Display Devices and Products Containing the Same on the basis of a settlement agreement. The complainants is Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and the respondents are Sharp Corporation, Sharp Electronics and Sharp Electronics Manufacturing. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On March 1, 2010 ALJ Bullock issued an Initial Determination granting Complainant B & R Plastics’ motion to terminate the investigation as to Respondent Buy.com in Inv. No. 337-TA-693, In the Matter of Certain Foldable Stools. Complainant moved to terminate on the basis of withdrawal of the complaint, following the adoption of a written agreement between the parties. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On February 25, ALJ Bullock set a target date of June 24, 2011 for completion of Inv. No. 337-TA-704, In the Matter of Certain Mobile Communication and Computer Devices and Components Thereof. ALJ Bullock directed complainant Apple Computer, Inc. and respondents Nokia Corporation and Nokia, Inc. to submit a discovery statement on or before March 18, 2010 and set forth the ground rules for the investigation. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On February 23, 2010 ALJ Bullock issued an initial determination extending the target date and modifying the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-693, In the Matter of Certain Foldable Stools. The order set February 9, 2011 as the date for issuance of initial determination and June 9, 2001 as the date for June 9, 2011 as the target date for completion of investigation.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On February 23, 2010, ALJ Bullock issued an initial determination terminating Inv. No. 337-TA-699, In the Matter of Certain Liquid Crystal Display Devices and Products Containing the Same. Complainant Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and respondents Sharp Corporation, Sharp Electronics Corporation, and Sharp Electronics Manufacturing Company of America jointly moved to terminate the Investigation following the execution of settlement and licensing agreements.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On February 18, 2010 Inv. No. 337-TA-704, In the Matter of Certain Mobile Communication and Computer Devices and Components Thereof, was assigned to Administrative Law Judge Charles Bullock. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On February 18, 2010, the Commission issued notice of its determination to reverse a supplemental initial determination to presiding ALJ Bullock to make findings on the issues of anticipation and obviousness in light of prior art determinations made by the Commission. The Commission also determined to extend the target date of Inv. No. 337-TA-501, Certain Encapsulated Integrated Circuit Devices and Products Containing Same, to July 20, 2010. The complainant is Amkor Technology, Inc. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock today issued a show cause order in Investigation No. 337-TA-693, Certain Foldable Stools, requiring respondents Ningbo Zhong Tian Co. LTd., Ningbo Ningfeng Import and Export Co. Ltd., and Always Something Brillliant to explain no later than March 3, 2010 why they should not be held in default.  The ALJ found that despite proper service, none of the parties had responded to the complaint or issued a discovery statement.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued an order construing the terms of the four patents asserted in Investigation No. 337-TA-664, Certain Flash memory Chips and Products Containing the Same.  Twelve sets of disputed terms were construed: "filling," "doped/doping/dopant" and "single, essentially uniformly doped, HDP oxide/single phosphorous doped HDP oxide layer having an essentially uniform dopant concentration" in U.S. Patent 6,380,029, "selected surface area profile" and "concave curve/convex curve/ upward concave curve" in U.S. Patent No. 6,376,877; and "method of programming in a flash memory/ a flash memory system," "a first device to be programmed," "threshold voltage of a fourth device/threshold voltage of a fifth device," "adjacent to," and "ensuring that a fifth device is on ensuring that a fourth device is off" in U.S. Patent No. 5,715,194. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock granted the joint motion of Complainants, Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America, Inc., and Respondent Eastman Kodak Company to terminate the investigation based upon the execution of a settlement agreement in Inv. No. 337-TA-671, In the Matter of Certain Digital Cameras.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued an order setting the Procedural Schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-693, In the Matter of Certain Foldable Stools.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock issued Ground Rules and set the target date in Inv. No. 337-TA-699, In the Matter of Certain Liquid Crystal Display Devices and Products Containing the Same.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock granted the joint motion to terminate submitted by Complainants Hexagon Metrology AB and Hexagon Metrology, Inc. (collectively, "Hexagon"), Respondents Nikon Metrology N.V. and Metris U.S.A., Inc. (collectively, "Metris") and Respondents Mitutoyo Corporation and Mitutoyo America Corporation (collectively, "Mitutoyo") in Inv. No. 337-TA-684, In the Matter of Certain Articulated Coordinate Measuring Arms and Components Thereof.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On November 20, 2009, ALJ Bullock issued the public version of the Notice of a Final Initial Determination in Inv. No. 337-TA-501, In the Matter of Certain Encapsulated Integrated Circuit Devices and Products Containing Same, decided on October 30, 2009. ALJ Bullock affirmed the Initial Determination which found violation of a violation of Section 337 has been found in relation to in the importation of the accused products, certain encapsulated integrated circuit devices, by reason of infringement of the asserted claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,433,277. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On November 17, 2009, ALJ Bullock granted complainant UneMed Corporation’s motion for an order to show cause against respondent EST Nutrition LLC d/b/a/ Engineered Sports Technology, based on the respondent’s failure to respond to the Complaint and Notice of Investigation In the Matter of Certain Products Advertised as Containing Creatine Ethyl Ester, Inv. No. 337-679. The complaint alleged that respondent violated section 337 in connection with the importation into the United States, sale for importation, and sale after importation of certain products advertised as containing creatine ethyl ester. ALJ Bullock, in granting the motion, ordered respondent to show cause why it should not be found in default for failing to respond to the complaint and Notice of Investigation no later than the close of business on Thursday, December 3. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On November 5, 2009, ALJ Bullock issued an amended procedural schedule in light of the joint motion for an amended schedule filed by complainants Spansion, Inc. and Spansion LLP and respondents Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Asustek Computer, Inc., Apple, Inc., Transcend Information, Inc., et al in Inv. No. 337-TA-664, In the Matter of Certain Flash Memory Chips and Products Containing the Same. ALJ Bullock set September 18, 2010 as the date for filing an initial determination and January 18, 2011 as the target date for completion of the investigation. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On October 23, 2009, the Commission determined no violation of § 337 and terminated Inv. No. 337-TA-619, In the Matter of Certain Flash Memory Controllers, Drives, Memory Cards, and Media Players and Products Containing Same. The Commission reversed some of ALJ’s Bullock’s claim construction findings, but nevertheless affirmed ALJ Bullock’s finding that the accused products did not infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 6,426,893, 6,763,424, 5,719,808, 6,947,332, 7,137,011 asserted by complainant SanDisk Corp.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On October 6, 2009, ALJ Bullock set a Procedural Schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-684, In the Matter of Certain Articulated Coordinate Measuring Arms and Components Thereof, which included a due date for an Initial Determination of September 28, 2010. U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,148.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock set the procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-679, In the Matter of Certain Products Advertised as Containing Creative Ethyl Ester. The date for final initial determination was set for June 25, 2010, while the target date was set for October 25, 2010. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 21, 2009, ALJ Bullock issued an Initial Determination in Inv. No. 337-TA-679, In the Matter of Certain Products Advertised as Containing Creatine Ethyl Ester, determining that respondents Bodyonics, Ltd; NRG-X Labs; and Proviant Technologies, Inc. were in default, based on their failure to respond to the complaint and notice of investigation.(PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 14, 2009, the Commission issued a notice that it would review in part the Final Initial Determination of ALJ Bullock in Inv. No. 337-TA-621, In the Matter of Certain Probe Card Assemblies, Components Thereof and Certain Tested DRAM and NAND Flash Memory Devices and Products Containing Same. The Commission determined to review: 1) the Initial Determination’s finding that a prior patent application publication did not anticipate the asserted claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,509,751, 2) the Initial Determination’s conclusion of law regarding non-infringement of the ‘751 patent by the accused products, and 3) the Initial Determination’s conclusion that no analysis of the validity of the asserted claims that depend from claim 21 of U.S. Patent No. 5,994,152 was needed. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 8, 2009, ALJ Bullock denied a motion for summary determination by complainants Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America, Inc. in Inv. No. 337-TA-671, In the Matter of Certain Digital Cameras. The motion asserted that complainants satisfy the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On September 2, 2009, ALJ Bullock denied complainant UneMed Corporation’s motion seeking a determination that respondents Bodyonics, Ltd., EST Nutrition LLC d/b/a Engineered Sports Technology, NRG-X Labs, and Proviant Technologies, Inc. were in default in Inv. No. 337-TA-679, In the Matter of Certain Products Advertised as Containing Creatine Ethyl Ester. ALJ Bullock did issue an order to show cause to the four respondents as to why they should not be found in default for failing to respond to the complaint and notice of investigation, with a deadline of Septemeber 16, 2009. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

ALJ Bullock terminated the investigation as to respondent SAN Corp. pursuant to a consent order stipulation entered by the parties in Inv. No. 337-TA-679, In the Matter of Certain Products Advertised as Containing Creatine Ethyl Ester. On July 13, 2009 Complainant and Respondent SAN Corp. filed a joint motion to terminate the investigation as to SAN based upon a consent order stipulation. The consent order stipulation complied with the requirements of Rule 210.21(c)(3). In the consent order stipulation SAN agreed not to import, sell for import, or sell after importation the subject products and to report to the commission the quantity and value that it already has imported or sold after importation. (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On July 23, 2009, ALJ Bullock issued an ID extending the target date to February 2, 2010, (73.5 months) and setting a new procedural schedule in Inv. No. 337-TA-501, In the Matter of Certain Encapsulated Integrated Circuit Devices and Products Containing the Same. This investigation was remanded by the Commission on July 1, 2009.  (PDF)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link

On July 20, 2009, ALJ Bullock issued the public version of his June 29, 2009, Initial Determination on Violation of Section 337 and Recommended Determination on Remedy and Bond in Inv. No. 337-TA-621, In the Matter of Certain Probe Card Assemblies, Components Thereof and Certain Tested DRAM and NAND Flash Memory Devices and Products Containing Same. ALJ Bullock concluded that respondents’ accused products did not infringe the asserted claims of the patents-at-issue and that no domestic industry existed with respect to some of the asserted claims. ALJ Bullock also concluded that one asserted claim was invalid as anticipated under 35 U.S.C. §102.  (PDF-1) (PDF-2)

• Email This
• Print
• Share Link