Certain Video Game Systems and Wireless Controllers and Components Thereof; Commission Determination To Review-In-Part a Remand Initial Determination; Schedule for Filing Written Submissions on Review for Remand Initial Determination and Final Inital Determination, 41950-41952 [2013-16709]
Download as PDF
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
41950
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 134 / Friday, July 12, 2013 / Notices
Riverton and Lander and, to a lesser
extent, Casper, Wyoming. The Project is
expected to provide an economic benefit
through a variety of taxes paid to
Federal, State, and local governments
including employee income taxes,
severance taxes, property taxes, and
sales taxes.
The Project is in conformance with
the 1987 Lander Resource Management
Plan and Final Environmental Impact
Statement (RMP/Final EIS) and with all
of the alternatives in the Final EIS
(2013) revising the Lander RMP. During
the preparation of the Project EIS,
interim exploration and development
will be subject to development
guidelines and decisions made in
applicable NEPA documents, including
the Lander RMP and subsequent
revisions. The Project EIS will analyze
the environmental consequences of
approving the Project as proposed,
while considering other alternatives
including a No Action Alternative.
The purpose of public scoping is to
determine relevant issues that will
influence the scope of the
environmental analysis and range of
reasonable alternatives in the Project
EIS. At present, the BLM has identified
the following preliminary issues:
Potential effects to air and water quality;
potential effects on existing land uses
and previous mine reclamation
activities; potential effects of uranium
mining and production on surface
resources including vegetation, soil,
wildlife habitat and livestock grazing;
concerns about risks from radioactive or
other hazardous elements; and concerns
about post-mining management of the
project area.
The BLM will utilize and coordinate
the NEPA scoping process to help fulfill
the public involvement process under
Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) as
provided in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3). Native
American tribal consultations will be
conducted in accordance with policy,
and tribal concerns will be given due
consideration, including impacts on
Indian trust assets. Federal, State, and
local agencies, along with other
stakeholders who may be interested in
or affected by the BLM’s decision on
this project, are invited to participate in
the scoping process and, if eligible, may
request or be requested by the BLM to
participate as a cooperating agency.
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you may request in your
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:46 Jul 11, 2013
Jkt 229001
comment to withhold your personal
identifying information from public
review, it cannot be guaranteed that
personal information will be withheld.
Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7.
Dated: May 20, 2013.
Donald A. Simpson,
State Director.
[FR Doc. 2013–16631 Filed 7–11–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–22–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–770]
Certain Video Game Systems and
Wireless Controllers and Components
Thereof; Commission Determination
To Review-In-Part a Remand Initial
Determination; Schedule for Filing
Written Submissions on Review for
Remand Initial Determination and Final
Inital Determination
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined to review
certain portions of the remand initial
determination (‘‘ID’’) issued by the
presiding administrative law judge
(‘‘ALJ’’) on May 7, 2013 in the abovecaptioned investigation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jia
Chen, Office of the General Counsel,
U.S. International Trade Commission,
500 E Street SW., Washington, DC
20436, telephone (202) 708–4737.
Copies of non-confidential documents
filed in connection with this
investigation are or will be available for
inspection during official business
hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the
Office of the Secretary, U.S.
International Trade Commission, 500 E
Street SW., Washington, DC 20436,
telephone (202) 205–2000. General
information concerning the Commission
may also be obtained by accessing its
Internet server at https://www.usitc.gov.
The public record for this investigation
may be viewed on the Commission’s
electronic docket (EDIS) at https://
edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired
persons are advised that information on
this matter can be obtained by
contacting the Commission’s TDD
terminal on (202) 205–1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April
27, 2011, the Commission instituted the
subject investigation based on a
complaint filed by Creative Kingdoms,
LLC of Wakefield, Rhode Island and
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
New Kingdoms, LLC of Nehalem,
Oregon (collectively, ‘‘CK’’). 76 FR
23624 (Apr. 27, 2011). The complaint
alleged violations of Section 337 of the
Tariff Act of 1930, 19 U.S.C. 1337
(‘‘Section 337’’) by reason of
infringement of certain claims of United
States Patent Nos. 7,896,742 (‘‘the ’742
patent’’); 7,500,917 (‘‘the ’917 patent’’);
and 7,850,527 (‘‘the ’527 patent’’). The
named respondents are Nintendo Co.,
Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan and Nintendo
America, Inc. of Redmond, Washington
(collectively, ‘‘Nintendo’’).
The products accused of infringing
the asserted patents are gaming systems
and related components and software,
including the Wii Remote, Wii
MotionPlus, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk,
Wii console (versions RVL and RVK),
and Wii U console (collectively, the
‘‘accused products’’).
On August 31, 2012, the ALJ issued a
final ID finding no violation of section
337 by Nintendo. The ALJ found that
the accused products infringe sole
asserted claim 24 of the ’742 patent, but
that the claim is invalid for failing to
satisfy the enablement requirement and
the written description requirement
under 35 U.S.C. 112. The ALJ found that
no accused products infringe the
asserted claims of the ’917 patent and
’527 patents. The ALJ also found that
the asserted claims of the ’917 and ’527
patents are invalid for failing to satisfy
the enablement requirement and the
written description requirement. The
ALJ concluded that complainant has
failed to show that a domestic industry
exists in the United States that exploits
the asserted patents as required by 19
U.S.C. 1337(a)(2). The ALJ did not make
a finding regarding the technical prong
of the domestic industry requirement
with respect to the asserted patents. The
ALJ also did not make a finding with
respect to anticipation and obviousness
of the asserted patents.
On September 17, 2012, CK filed a
petition for review challenging the ALJ’s
findings with respect to claim
construction, infringement, enablement
and written description for the ’917
patent, the ALJ’s findings with respect
to enablement and written description
of the ’742 patent, as well as the ALJ’s
findings with respect to the domestic
industry requirement for the ’917 and
’742 patents. On the same day, Nintendo
filed a petition for review challenging
the ALJ’s finding with respect to claim
construction and infringement for the
’742 patent. Nintendo also challenged
the ALJ’s failure to address anticipation
and obviousness with respect to the ’917
and ’742 patents. The IA filed a petition
for review challenging the ALJ’s finding
with respect to the domestic industry
E:\FR\FM\12JYN1.SGM
12JYN1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 134 / Friday, July 12, 2013 / Notices
requirement for the ’917 and ’742
patents. None of the parties challenged
the ALJ’s final ID with respect to the
’527 patent.
On November 6, 2012, the
Commission determined to review the
following issues: (1) Claim construction
of the limitation ‘‘toy wand’’ of the
asserted claim of the ’917 patent; (2)
non-infringement of the asserted claim
of the ’917 patent; (3) infringement of
the asserted claim of the ’742 patent; (4)
validity of the asserted claims of the
’917 and ’742 patents under the
enablement requirement; (5) validity of
the asserted claims of the ’917 and ’742
patents under the written description
requirement; and (6) whether the
domestic industry requirement is met
with respect to the ’917 and ’742
patents. On the same day, the
Commission issued an opinion with
respect to the proper claim construction
of the term ‘‘toy wand’’ of the asserted
claim of the ’917 patent. Specifically,
the Commission disagreed with the ALJ
that the term ‘‘toy wand’’ should be
construed as ‘‘an elongated hollow pipe
or tube consistent with a wand
associated with magic or illusion.’’ The
Commission found that the term ‘‘toy
wand’’ should be construed as ‘‘an
elongated hollow pipe or tube used for
play.’’ The Commission determined to
remand this case to the ALJ to
determine the following issues: (a)
Direct infringement of the asserted
claim of the ’917 patent in light of the
proper construction of the term ‘‘wand’’
as set forth in the Commission opinion;
(b) whether the independently sold Wii
MotionPlus and Nunchuck accessories
contributorily infringe the asserted
claims of the ’917 and ’742 patents; (c)
anticipation and obviousness with
respect to the asserted claim of the ’917
patent; (d) obviousness with respect to
the asserted claim of the ’742 patent;
and (e) whether CK has satisfied the
technical prong of the domestic industry
requirement with respect to the ’917 and
’742 patents, and if necessary, whether
CK has satisfied the economic prong of
the domestic industry requirement with
respect to the ’917 and ’742 patents in
light of the ALJ’s technical prong
determination.
On May 7, 2013, the ALJ issued a
remand ID finding no violation of
section 337. The ALJ found that (i) the
accused products do not infringe claim
7 of the ’917 patent; (ii) Nintendo does
not contribute to the infringement of
claim 24 of the ’742 patent through its
sale of the Wii Nunchuk and the Wii
MotionPlus accessories; (iii) the asserted
claim of the ’917 patent is not invalid
for anticipation; (iv) the asserted claim
of the ’917 patent is not invalid for
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:46 Jul 11, 2013
Jkt 229001
obviousness; (v) the asserted claim of
the ’742 patent is not invalid for
obviousness; (vi) complainant has
satisfied the technical prong of the
domestic industry requirement for the
’917 patent; and (vii) complainant has
satisfied the technical prong of the
domestic industry requirement for the
’742 patent. The ALJ determined that it
was unnecessary to revisit his previous
finding in his final ID that complainant
has not satisfied the economic prong of
the domestic industry requirement for
the ’742 and ’917 patents.
On May 21, 2013, CK filed a petition
for review of the remand ID, challenging
the ALJ’s finding that complainant has
not satisfied the economic prong of the
domestic industry requirement for the
‘742 and ‘917 patents. CK also
challenges the ALJ’s finding that the
accused products do not directly
infringe the ‘917 patent and that the
separately sold Wii Nunchuk or the Wii
MotionPlus accessories do not
contributorily infringe the asserted
claim of the ‘742 patent. On the same
day, Nintendo filed a petition for review
of the remand ID, challenging the ALJ’s
finding with respect to obviousness of
the asserted claim of the ‘742 patent.
The IA did not submit a petition for
review. On June 3, 2013, CK, Nintendo,
and the IA each filed reply briefs.
Having examined the record of this
investigation, the Commission has
determined to review the following
issues from the remand ID: (1) Whether
the accused products directly infringe
the asserted claim of the ‘917 patent; (2)
whether the independently sold Wii
MotionPlus and Nunchuck accessories
contributorily infringe the asserted
claim of the ‘742 patent; (3) nonobviousness of the asserted claim of the
‘742 patent; and (4) whether the
technical prong of the domestic industry
requirement is met with respect to the
‘917 and ‘742 patents. In addition, the
following issues from the final ID are
currently under review: (a) whether the
accused products directly infringe the
asserted claim of the ‘742 patent; (b)
validity of the asserted claims of the
‘917 and ‘742 patent under the
enablement requirement; (c) validity of
the asserted claims of the ‘917 and ‘742
patent under the written description
requirement; and (d) whether the
economic prong of the domestic
industry requirement is met with
respect to the ‘917 and ‘742 patents.
The parties should brief their
positions on the issues under review
with reference to the applicable law and
the evidentiary record. In connection
with its review, the Commission is
particularly interested in responses to
the following questions:
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
41951
Question 1: Please explain whether the
accused products meet the following
limitations of the asserted claim of the ‘917
patent: (a) ‘‘a toy wand,’’ i.e., ‘‘an elongated
hollow pipe or tube used for play’’; (b) ‘‘an
elongated body having a first end and a
second end’’; (c) ‘‘a pair of first motion
sensors configured to generate a first signal
in response to a first motion of the elongated
body’’; (d) ‘‘a second motion sensor
configured to generate a second signal in
response to a second motion of the elongated
body, wherein the second motion is different
from the first motion, and wherein the
second motion sensor is different than either
of the pair of first motion sensors’’; (e) ‘‘a
transmitter disposed within the elongated
body and capable of wireless communication
with at least one receiver’’; and (f) ‘‘the
transmitter configured to send to the at least
one receiver a first command to control a first
play effect based on the first signal, the
transmitter further configured to send a
second command to the at least one receiver
to control a second play effect based on the
second signal.’’
Question 2: With respect to CK’s
contributory infringement claim for the
independently sold Nunchuk and
MotionPlus accessories, please cite to and
discuss all evidence indicating (1) whether
there is an act of direct infringement; and (2)
whether Nintendo had knowledge that the
combination of the Nunchuk or MotionPlus
accessories with the Wii Remote controller
was covered by the ‘742 patent.
Question 3: What are the novel aspects of
the invention of claim 7 of the ‘917 patent,
and are those novel aspects supplied by the
specification of the ‘917 patent? See
Automotive Technologies v. BMW of North
America Inc., 501 F.3d 1274, 1283 (Fed. Cir.
2007) (‘‘It is the specification, not the
knowledge of one skilled in the art, that must
supply the novel aspects of an invention in
order to constitute adequate enablement.’’).
Question 4: Would it have been known to
a person of ordinary skill in the art in light
of the ‘917 patent specification to configure
the disclosed accelerometers or other motion
sensors to sense motion as required by claim
7?
Question 5: What are the novel aspects of
the invention of claim 24 of the ‘742 patent,
and are those novel aspects supplied by the
specification of the ‘742 patent?
Question 6: Please discuss whether claim
24 of the ‘742 patent is rendered obvious by
the combination of Silfer, Han, and Nitta.
Question 7: Please discuss whether claim
24 of the ‘742 patent is rendered obvious by
the combination of Willner, Silfer, and
Goschy.
Question 8: Assuming that the technical
prong of the domestic industry requirement
is met and assuming that the patented article
is the toy wand (as opposed to the entire
MagiQuest attraction including the toy
wand), do the ‘‘realities of the marketplace’’
dictate that the entire MagiQuest attraction
(including the physical space, themes, props,
other peripheral items, and sales and training
staff) is the article of commerce in
competition? See e.g., Certain Double-Sided
Floppy Disk Drives and Components Thereof,
Inv. No. 337–TA–215, USITC Pub. 1860,
E:\FR\FM\12JYN1.SGM
12JYN1
41952
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 134 / Friday, July 12, 2013 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Comm’n Op., at 55–56 (Oct. 15, 1985) (‘‘The
patented article in this investigation may be
in and of itself an article of commerce, but
. . . [the patented] head assemblies are not
the actual articles of commerce at issue when
viewed according to the competitive realities
of the marketplace.’’). Are CK’s operational
activities with respect to the entire attraction
facility essential to practicing the claimed
wand?
Question 9: Please cite to and discuss
evidence pertaining to whether the economic
prong of the domestic industry requirement
is shown with respect to the electronics and
software used in the MagiQuest attraction
that interacts with the MagiQuest wand, and
discuss whether the electronics and software
are designed, developed, and/or
manufactured in the United States?
Question 10: Please cite to and discuss
evidence relating to the strength of the nexus
between the asserted patents and CK’s
alleged licensing activities, including
evidence showing that the activities are
particularly focused on the asserted patents.
What are the relative importance or value of
the asserted patents within the overall
intellectual property portfolio in CK’s
agreements with its customers to operate the
MagiQuest attraction?
In connection with the final
disposition of this investigation, the
Commission may (1) issue an order that
could result in the exclusion of the
subject articles from entry into the
United States, and/or (2) issue one or
more cease and desist orders that could
result in a respondent being required to
cease and desist from engaging in unfair
acts in the importation and sale of such
articles. Accordingly, the Commission is
interested in receiving written
submissions that address the form of
remedy, if any, that should be ordered.
If a party seeks exclusion of an article
from entry into the United States for
purposes other than entry for
consumption, the party should so
indicate and provide information
establishing that activities involving
other types of entry either are adversely
affecting it or likely to do so. For
background, see Certain Devices for
Connecting Computers via Telephone
Lines, Inv. No. 337–TA–360, USITC
Pub. No. 2843, Comm’n Op. at 9
(December 1994).
If the Commission contemplates some
form of remedy, it must consider the
effects of that remedy upon the public
interest. The factors the Commission
will consider include the effect that an
exclusion order and/or cease and desist
orders would have on (1) The public
health and welfare, (2) competitive
conditions in the U.S. economy, (3) U.S.
production of articles that are like or
directly competitive with those that are
subject to investigation, and (4) U.S.
consumers. The Commission is
therefore interested in receiving written
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:46 Jul 11, 2013
Jkt 229001
submissions that address the
aforementioned public interest factors
in the context of this investigation.
If the Commission orders some form
of remedy, the United States Trade
Representative, as delegated by the
President, has 60 days to approve or
disapprove the Commission’s action.
See Presidential Memorandum of July
21, 2005, 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005).
During this period, the subject articles
would be entitled to enter the United
States under bond, in an amount
determined by the Commission and
prescribed by the Secretary of the
Treasury. The Commission is therefore
interested in receiving submissions
concerning the amount of the bond that
should be imposed if a remedy is
ordered.
Written Submissions: The parties to
the investigation are requested to file
written submissions on the issues
identified in this notice. Parties to the
investigation, interested government
agencies, and any other interested
parties are encouraged to file written
submissions on the issues of remedy,
the public interest, and bonding. Such
submissions should address the
recommended determination by the ALJ
on remedy and bonding. Complainant
and the Commission investigative
attorney are also requested to submit
proposed remedial orders for the
Commission’s consideration.
Complainant is also requested to state
the date that the patent expires and the
HTSUS subheadings under which the
accused products are imported. The
written submissions and proposed
remedial orders must be filed no later
than close of business on Thursday, July
18, 2013. Reply submissions must be
filed no later than the close of business
on Thursday, July 25, 2013. The written
submissions must be no longer than 50
pages and the reply submissions must
be no longer than 25 pages. No further
submissions on these issues will be
permitted unless otherwise ordered by
the Commission.
Persons filing written submissions
must do so in accordance with
Commission rule 210.4(f), 19 CFR
210.4(f), which requires electronic
filing. The original document and 8 true
copies thereof must also be filed on or
before the deadlines stated above with
the Office of the Secretary. Any person
desiring to submit a document to the
Commission in confidence must request
confidential treatment unless the
information has already been granted
such treatment during the proceedings.
All such requests should be directed to
the Secretary of the Commission and
must include a full statement of the
reasons why the Commission should
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
grant such treatment. See 19 CFR 210.6.
Documents for which confidential
treatment by the Commission is sought
will be treated accordingly. All nonconfidential written submissions will be
available for public inspection at the
Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.
The authority for the Commission’s
determination is contained in section
337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in
sections 210.42–46 and 210.50 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and
Procedure (19 CFR 210.42–46 and
210.50).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: July 8, 2013.
Lisa R. Barton,
Acting Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2013–16709 Filed 7–11–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–857]
Certain Reduced Folate Nutraceutical
Products and L-Methylfolate Raw
Ingredients Used Therein; Commission
Determination Not To Review an Initial
Determination Granting Complainants’
Corrected Motion for Leave To Amend
the Complaint and Notice of
Investigation To Add a Complainant
and Change a Complainant Name
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined not to
review an initial determination (‘‘ID’’)
(Order No. 12) of the presiding
administrative law judge granting
complainants’ corrected motion for
leave to amend the complaint and
notice of investigation to add a
complainant and change a complainant
name.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James A. Worth, Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)
205–3065. Copies of non-confidential
documents filed in connection with this
investigation are or will be available for
inspection during official business
hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the
Office of the Secretary, U.S.
International Trade Commission, 500 E
Street SW., Washington, DC 20436,
telephone (202) 205–2000. General
information concerning the Commission
may also be obtained by accessing its
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\12JYN1.SGM
12JYN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 134 (Friday, July 12, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41950-41952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-16709]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337-TA-770]
Certain Video Game Systems and Wireless Controllers and
Components Thereof; Commission Determination To Review-In-Part a Remand
Initial Determination; Schedule for Filing Written Submissions on
Review for Remand Initial Determination and Final Inital Determination
AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined to review certain portions of the remand
initial determination (``ID'') issued by the presiding administrative
law judge (``ALJ'') on May 7, 2013 in the above-captioned
investigation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jia Chen, Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 708-4737. Copies of non-
confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation are
or will be available for inspection during official business hours
(8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S.
International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436,
telephone (202) 205-2000. General information concerning the Commission
may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server at https://www.usitc.gov. The public record for this investigation may be viewed
on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov.
Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter
can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on (202)
205-1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 27, 2011, the Commission instituted
the subject investigation based on a complaint filed by Creative
Kingdoms, LLC of Wakefield, Rhode Island and New Kingdoms, LLC of
Nehalem, Oregon (collectively, ``CK''). 76 FR 23624 (Apr. 27, 2011).
The complaint alleged violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of
1930, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (``Section 337'') by reason of infringement of
certain claims of United States Patent Nos. 7,896,742 (``the '742
patent''); 7,500,917 (``the '917 patent''); and 7,850,527 (``the '527
patent''). The named respondents are Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto,
Japan and Nintendo America, Inc. of Redmond, Washington (collectively,
``Nintendo'').
The products accused of infringing the asserted patents are gaming
systems and related components and software, including the Wii Remote,
Wii MotionPlus, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk, Wii console (versions RVL and
RVK), and Wii U console (collectively, the ``accused products'').
On August 31, 2012, the ALJ issued a final ID finding no violation
of section 337 by Nintendo. The ALJ found that the accused products
infringe sole asserted claim 24 of the '742 patent, but that the claim
is invalid for failing to satisfy the enablement requirement and the
written description requirement under 35 U.S.C. 112. The ALJ found that
no accused products infringe the asserted claims of the '917 patent and
'527 patents. The ALJ also found that the asserted claims of the '917
and '527 patents are invalid for failing to satisfy the enablement
requirement and the written description requirement. The ALJ concluded
that complainant has failed to show that a domestic industry exists in
the United States that exploits the asserted patents as required by 19
U.S.C. 1337(a)(2). The ALJ did not make a finding regarding the
technical prong of the domestic industry requirement with respect to
the asserted patents. The ALJ also did not make a finding with respect
to anticipation and obviousness of the asserted patents.
On September 17, 2012, CK filed a petition for review challenging
the ALJ's findings with respect to claim construction, infringement,
enablement and written description for the '917 patent, the ALJ's
findings with respect to enablement and written description of the '742
patent, as well as the ALJ's findings with respect to the domestic
industry requirement for the '917 and '742 patents. On the same day,
Nintendo filed a petition for review challenging the ALJ's finding with
respect to claim construction and infringement for the '742 patent.
Nintendo also challenged the ALJ's failure to address anticipation and
obviousness with respect to the '917 and '742 patents. The IA filed a
petition for review challenging the ALJ's finding with respect to the
domestic industry
[[Page 41951]]
requirement for the '917 and '742 patents. None of the parties
challenged the ALJ's final ID with respect to the '527 patent.
On November 6, 2012, the Commission determined to review the
following issues: (1) Claim construction of the limitation ``toy wand''
of the asserted claim of the '917 patent; (2) non-infringement of the
asserted claim of the '917 patent; (3) infringement of the asserted
claim of the '742 patent; (4) validity of the asserted claims of the
'917 and '742 patents under the enablement requirement; (5) validity of
the asserted claims of the '917 and '742 patents under the written
description requirement; and (6) whether the domestic industry
requirement is met with respect to the '917 and '742 patents. On the
same day, the Commission issued an opinion with respect to the proper
claim construction of the term ``toy wand'' of the asserted claim of
the '917 patent. Specifically, the Commission disagreed with the ALJ
that the term ``toy wand'' should be construed as ``an elongated hollow
pipe or tube consistent with a wand associated with magic or
illusion.'' The Commission found that the term ``toy wand'' should be
construed as ``an elongated hollow pipe or tube used for play.'' The
Commission determined to remand this case to the ALJ to determine the
following issues: (a) Direct infringement of the asserted claim of the
'917 patent in light of the proper construction of the term ``wand'' as
set forth in the Commission opinion; (b) whether the independently sold
Wii MotionPlus and Nunchuck accessories contributorily infringe the
asserted claims of the '917 and '742 patents; (c) anticipation and
obviousness with respect to the asserted claim of the '917 patent; (d)
obviousness with respect to the asserted claim of the '742 patent; and
(e) whether CK has satisfied the technical prong of the domestic
industry requirement with respect to the '917 and '742 patents, and if
necessary, whether CK has satisfied the economic prong of the domestic
industry requirement with respect to the '917 and '742 patents in light
of the ALJ's technical prong determination.
On May 7, 2013, the ALJ issued a remand ID finding no violation of
section 337. The ALJ found that (i) the accused products do not
infringe claim 7 of the '917 patent; (ii) Nintendo does not contribute
to the infringement of claim 24 of the '742 patent through its sale of
the Wii Nunchuk and the Wii MotionPlus accessories; (iii) the asserted
claim of the '917 patent is not invalid for anticipation; (iv) the
asserted claim of the '917 patent is not invalid for obviousness; (v)
the asserted claim of the '742 patent is not invalid for obviousness;
(vi) complainant has satisfied the technical prong of the domestic
industry requirement for the '917 patent; and (vii) complainant has
satisfied the technical prong of the domestic industry requirement for
the '742 patent. The ALJ determined that it was unnecessary to revisit
his previous finding in his final ID that complainant has not satisfied
the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement for the '742
and '917 patents.
On May 21, 2013, CK filed a petition for review of the remand ID,
challenging the ALJ's finding that complainant has not satisfied the
economic prong of the domestic industry requirement for the `742 and
`917 patents. CK also challenges the ALJ's finding that the accused
products do not directly infringe the `917 patent and that the
separately sold Wii Nunchuk or the Wii MotionPlus accessories do not
contributorily infringe the asserted claim of the `742 patent. On the
same day, Nintendo filed a petition for review of the remand ID,
challenging the ALJ's finding with respect to obviousness of the
asserted claim of the `742 patent. The IA did not submit a petition for
review. On June 3, 2013, CK, Nintendo, and the IA each filed reply
briefs.
Having examined the record of this investigation, the Commission
has determined to review the following issues from the remand ID: (1)
Whether the accused products directly infringe the asserted claim of
the `917 patent; (2) whether the independently sold Wii MotionPlus and
Nunchuck accessories contributorily infringe the asserted claim of the
`742 patent; (3) non-obviousness of the asserted claim of the `742
patent; and (4) whether the technical prong of the domestic industry
requirement is met with respect to the `917 and `742 patents. In
addition, the following issues from the final ID are currently under
review: (a) whether the accused products directly infringe the asserted
claim of the `742 patent; (b) validity of the asserted claims of the
`917 and `742 patent under the enablement requirement; (c) validity of
the asserted claims of the `917 and `742 patent under the written
description requirement; and (d) whether the economic prong of the
domestic industry requirement is met with respect to the `917 and `742
patents.
The parties should brief their positions on the issues under review
with reference to the applicable law and the evidentiary record. In
connection with its review, the Commission is particularly interested
in responses to the following questions:
Question 1: Please explain whether the accused products meet the
following limitations of the asserted claim of the `917 patent: (a)
``a toy wand,'' i.e., ``an elongated hollow pipe or tube used for
play''; (b) ``an elongated body having a first end and a second
end''; (c) ``a pair of first motion sensors configured to generate a
first signal in response to a first motion of the elongated body'';
(d) ``a second motion sensor configured to generate a second signal
in response to a second motion of the elongated body, wherein the
second motion is different from the first motion, and wherein the
second motion sensor is different than either of the pair of first
motion sensors''; (e) ``a transmitter disposed within the elongated
body and capable of wireless communication with at least one
receiver''; and (f) ``the transmitter configured to send to the at
least one receiver a first command to control a first play effect
based on the first signal, the transmitter further configured to
send a second command to the at least one receiver to control a
second play effect based on the second signal.''
Question 2: With respect to CK's contributory infringement claim
for the independently sold Nunchuk and MotionPlus accessories,
please cite to and discuss all evidence indicating (1) whether there
is an act of direct infringement; and (2) whether Nintendo had
knowledge that the combination of the Nunchuk or MotionPlus
accessories with the Wii Remote controller was covered by the `742
patent.
Question 3: What are the novel aspects of the invention of claim
7 of the `917 patent, and are those novel aspects supplied by the
specification of the `917 patent? See Automotive Technologies v. BMW
of North America Inc., 501 F.3d 1274, 1283 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (``It is
the specification, not the knowledge of one skilled in the art, that
must supply the novel aspects of an invention in order to constitute
adequate enablement.'').
Question 4: Would it have been known to a person of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the `917 patent specification to
configure the disclosed accelerometers or other motion sensors to
sense motion as required by claim 7?
Question 5: What are the novel aspects of the invention of claim
24 of the `742 patent, and are those novel aspects supplied by the
specification of the `742 patent?
Question 6: Please discuss whether claim 24 of the `742 patent
is rendered obvious by the combination of Silfer, Han, and Nitta.
Question 7: Please discuss whether claim 24 of the `742 patent
is rendered obvious by the combination of Willner, Silfer, and
Goschy.
Question 8: Assuming that the technical prong of the domestic
industry requirement is met and assuming that the patented article
is the toy wand (as opposed to the entire MagiQuest attraction
including the toy wand), do the ``realities of the marketplace''
dictate that the entire MagiQuest attraction (including the physical
space, themes, props, other peripheral items, and sales and training
staff) is the article of commerce in competition? See e.g., Certain
Double-Sided Floppy Disk Drives and Components Thereof, Inv. No.
337-TA-215, USITC Pub. 1860,
[[Page 41952]]
Comm'n Op., at 55-56 (Oct. 15, 1985) (``The patented article in this
investigation may be in and of itself an article of commerce, but .
. . [the patented] head assemblies are not the actual articles of
commerce at issue when viewed according to the competitive realities
of the marketplace.''). Are CK's operational activities with respect
to the entire attraction facility essential to practicing the
claimed wand?
Question 9: Please cite to and discuss evidence pertaining to
whether the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement is
shown with respect to the electronics and software used in the
MagiQuest attraction that interacts with the MagiQuest wand, and
discuss whether the electronics and software are designed,
developed, and/or manufactured in the United States?
Question 10: Please cite to and discuss evidence relating to the
strength of the nexus between the asserted patents and CK's alleged
licensing activities, including evidence showing that the activities
are particularly focused on the asserted patents. What are the
relative importance or value of the asserted patents within the
overall intellectual property portfolio in CK's agreements with its
customers to operate the MagiQuest attraction?
In connection with the final disposition of this investigation, the
Commission may (1) issue an order that could result in the exclusion of
the subject articles from entry into the United States, and/or (2)
issue one or more cease and desist orders that could result in a
respondent being required to cease and desist from engaging in unfair
acts in the importation and sale of such articles. Accordingly, the
Commission is interested in receiving written submissions that address
the form of remedy, if any, that should be ordered. If a party seeks
exclusion of an article from entry into the United States for purposes
other than entry for consumption, the party should so indicate and
provide information establishing that activities involving other types
of entry either are adversely affecting it or likely to do so. For
background, see Certain Devices for Connecting Computers via Telephone
Lines, Inv. No. 337-TA-360, USITC Pub. No. 2843, Comm'n Op. at 9
(December 1994).
If the Commission contemplates some form of remedy, it must
consider the effects of that remedy upon the public interest. The
factors the Commission will consider include the effect that an
exclusion order and/or cease and desist orders would have on (1) The
public health and welfare, (2) competitive conditions in the U.S.
economy, (3) U.S. production of articles that are like or directly
competitive with those that are subject to investigation, and (4) U.S.
consumers. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving written
submissions that address the aforementioned public interest factors in
the context of this investigation.
If the Commission orders some form of remedy, the United States
Trade Representative, as delegated by the President, has 60 days to
approve or disapprove the Commission's action. See Presidential
Memorandum of July 21, 2005, 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005). During this
period, the subject articles would be entitled to enter the United
States under bond, in an amount determined by the Commission and
prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Commission is
therefore interested in receiving submissions concerning the amount of
the bond that should be imposed if a remedy is ordered.
Written Submissions: The parties to the investigation are requested
to file written submissions on the issues identified in this notice.
Parties to the investigation, interested government agencies, and any
other interested parties are encouraged to file written submissions on
the issues of remedy, the public interest, and bonding. Such
submissions should address the recommended determination by the ALJ on
remedy and bonding. Complainant and the Commission investigative
attorney are also requested to submit proposed remedial orders for the
Commission's consideration. Complainant is also requested to state the
date that the patent expires and the HTSUS subheadings under which the
accused products are imported. The written submissions and proposed
remedial orders must be filed no later than close of business on
Thursday, July 18, 2013. Reply submissions must be filed no later than
the close of business on Thursday, July 25, 2013. The written
submissions must be no longer than 50 pages and the reply submissions
must be no longer than 25 pages. No further submissions on these issues
will be permitted unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.
Persons filing written submissions must do so in accordance with
Commission rule 210.4(f), 19 CFR 210.4(f), which requires electronic
filing. The original document and 8 true copies thereof must also be
filed on or before the deadlines stated above with the Office of the
Secretary. Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission
in confidence must request confidential treatment unless the
information has already been granted such treatment during the
proceedings. All such requests should be directed to the Secretary of
the Commission and must include a full statement of the reasons why the
Commission should grant such treatment. See 19 CFR 210.6. Documents for
which confidential treatment by the Commission is sought will be
treated accordingly. All non-confidential written submissions will be
available for public inspection at the Office of the Secretary and on
EDIS.
The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in
section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and
in sections 210.42-46 and 210.50 of the Commission's Rules of Practice
and Procedure (19 CFR 210.42-46 and 210.50).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: July 8, 2013.
Lisa R. Barton,
Acting Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2013-16709 Filed 7-11-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P