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News Release 21-037
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1255
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain apparatus and methods of opening containers. 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 Draft Top, LLC, of Long Branch, NJ, on January 28, 2021. Supplements to the complaint were filed on February 12 and 19 and March 1 and 2, 2021. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain apparatus and methods of opening containers that infringe a patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Mintiml of Jiangsu, China;
KKS Enterprises Co., Ltd., of Hangzhou, China;
Kingskong Enterprises Co., Ltd., of Hangzhou, China;
Du Zuojun of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
WN Shipping USA, Inc., of Inwood, NY;
Shuje Wei of Pomona, CA;
Express Cargo Forwarded, Ltd., of Los Angeles, CA;
Tofba International, Inc., of Hawthorne, CA; and
Hou Wenzheng of Hebron, KY.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1255), 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.