October 6, 2009
News Release 09-074
Inv. No. 337-TA-688
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION
ON CERTAIN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND COMPONENTS THEREOF
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain hybrid electric vehicles and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation are certain hybrid electric vehicles containing both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine and components thereof.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Paice LLC of Bonita Springs, FL, on September 3, 2009. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain hybrid electric vehicles and components thereof that infringe a patent asserted by Paice. The complainant requests that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan;
Toyota Motor North America, Inc., of New York, NY; and
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., of Torrance, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-688), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's six administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission. In addition, the Commission has authorized the ALJ to take evidence and make findings regarding the public interest.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC 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.