August 4, 2020
News Release 20-080
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-080
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Electronic Devices, Including Computers, Tablet Computers, and Components and Modules Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices, including computers, tablet computers, and components and modules thereof.  The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Nokia Technologies Oy and Nokia Corporation, both of Espoo, Finland, on July 2, 2020.  The complaint was supplemented on July 17, 20, and 22, 2020.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain electronic devices, including computers, tablet computers, and components and modules thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Lenovo (United States), Inc., of Morrisville, NC;
Lenovo Group Limited of Quarry Bay, Hong Kong;
Lenovo (Beijing) Limited of Beijing, China;
Lenovo (Shanghai) Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. of Shanghai, China;
Lenovo PC HK Limited of Quarry Bay, Hong Kong;
Lenovo Information Products Shenzhen Co. Ltd. of Shenzhen, China;
Lenovo Mobile Communication of Wuhan, China;
Lenovo Corporation of Wujiang, China; and
Lenovo Centro Tecnologico S. de RL CV of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1208), 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.

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