The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) announced on August 12 that it has initiated a Section 337 investigation into certain mobile electronic devices, targeting Samsung Electronics Inc. and Samsung Electronics USA Inc. This investigation stems from a complaint filed in July by Kyoto Maxell Ltd. of Japan. Maxell alleges that certain mobile electronic devices infringe its patents during importation and sale in the United States, potentially violating Section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, and has requested the USITC to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. The USITC emphasized that initiating an investigation does not constitute a final determination. The case will proceed to trial, where an administrative law judge will investigate, gather evidence, and hold hearings before making a preliminary determination on whether any violations have occurred. The USITC will determine a trial schedule within 45 days of the investigation's initiation and will make a final determination based on the investigation results.
