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News Release 20-127
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1228
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain automated storage and retrieval systems, robots, and components 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 AutoStore Technology AS and AutoStore AS, both of Nedre Vats, Norway, and AutoStore System Inc. of Derry, NH, on October 1, 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 automated storage and retrieval systems, robots, and components 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:
Ocado Group Plc of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom;
Ocado Central Services Ltd. of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom;
Ocado Innovation Ltd. of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom;
Ocado Operating Ltd. of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom;
Ocado Solutions, Ltd., of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom;
Ocado Solutions USA Inc. of Tysons Corner, VA;
Tharsus Group Ltd. of Blyth, Northumberland, United Kingdom; and
Printed Motor Works Ltd. of Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1228), 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.