An official website of the United States government. 
News Release 17-085
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1060
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain consumer electronic devices, including televisions, gaming consoles, mobile phones and tablets, and network-enabled DVD and Blu-ray players. The products at issue in the investigation are consumer electronics devices that may be used for a range of purposes, including entertainment, gaming, and telecommunications activities.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by ARRIS Enterprises LLC of Suwanee, GA, on May 9, 2017. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain consumer electronic devices, including televisions, gaming consoles, mobile phones and tablets, and network-enabled DVD and Blu-ray players that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan;
Sony Corporation of America of New York, NY;
Sony Electronics Inc. of San Diego, CA;
Sony Interactive Entertainment, Inc., of Tokyo, Japan;
Sony Mobile Communications (USA), Inc., of San Mateo, CA;
Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC of San Mateo, CA; and
Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC of San Mateo, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1060), 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 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.
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.