Rules of General Application, Adjudication and Enforcement, 57553-57564 [2015-23597]

Agencies

• INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 185 (Thursday, September 24, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57553-57564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23597]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

19 CFR Parts 201 and 210


Rules of General Application, Adjudication and Enforcement

AGENCY: International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The United States International Trade Commission 
(``Commission'') proposes to amend its Rules of Practice and Procedure 
concerning rules of general application, adjudication, and enforcement. 
The amendments are necessary to make certain technical corrections, to 
clarify certain provisions, to harmonize different parts of the 
Commission's rules, and to address concerns that have arisen in 
Commission practice. The intended effect of the proposed amendments is 
to facilitate compliance with the Commission's Rules and improve the 
administration of agency proceedings.

DATES: To be assured of consideration, written comments must be 
received by 5:15 p.m. November 23, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number MISC-
045, by any of the following methods:
--Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
--Agency Web site: https://www.usitc.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments on the Web site at https://www.usitc.gov/secretary/edis.htm.
--Email: megan.valentine@usitc.gov. Include docket number MISC-045 in 
the subject line of the message.
--Mail: For paper submission. U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 
E Street SW., Room 112, Washington, DC 20436.
--Hand Delivery/Courier: U.S. International Trade Commission, 500

[[Page 57554]]

E Street SW., Room 112, Washington, DC 20436, from the hours of 8:45 
a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number (MISC-045), along with a cover letter stating the 
nature of the commenter's interest in the proposed rulemaking. All 
comments received will be posted without change to https://www.usitc.gov, including any personal information provided. For paper 
copies, a signed original and 14 copies of each set of comments should 
be submitted to Lisa R. Barton, Secretary, U.S. International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street SW., Room 112, Washington, DC 20436.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.usitc.gov and/or the U.S. 
International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Room 112, Washington, 
DC 20436.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Megan M. Valentine, telephone 202-708-
2301, Office of the General Counsel, United States International Trade 
Commission. Hearing-impaired individuals are advised that information 
on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD 
terminal at 202-205-1810. General information concerning the Commission 
may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server at https://www.usitc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The preamble below is designed to assist 
readers in understanding these proposed amendments to the Commission 
Rules. This preamble provides background information, a regulatory 
analysis of the proposed amendments, a section-by-section explanation 
of the proposed amendments to parts 201 and 210, and a description of 
the proposed amendments to the rules. The Commission encourages members 
of the public to comment on whether the language of the proposed 
amendments is sufficiently clear for users to understand, in addition 
to any other comments they wish to make on the proposed amendments.
    If the Commission decides to proceed with this rulemaking after 
reviewing the comments filed in response to this notice, the proposed 
rule revisions will be promulgated in accordance with the applicable 
requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (``APA'') (5 U.S.C. 
553), and will be codified in 19 CFR parts 201 and 210.

Background

    Section 335 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1335) authorizes 
the Commission to adopt such reasonable procedures, rules, and 
regulations as it deems necessary to carry out its functions and 
duties. This rulemaking seeks to improve provisions of the Commission's 
existing Rules of Practice and Procedure. The Commission proposes 
amendments to its rules covering investigations under section 337 of 
the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1337), as amended (``section 337''), 
in order to increase the efficiency of its section 337 investigations.
    This rulemaking was undertaken to make certain technical 
corrections, to clarify certain provisions, to harmonize different 
parts of the Commission's rules, and to address concerns that have 
arisen in Commission practice. The intended effect of the proposed 
amendments is to facilitate compliance with the Commission's Rules and 
improve the administration of agency proceedings.
    On February 14, 2012, at 77 FR 8114, the Commission published a 
Plan for Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules. This plan was issued 
in response to Executive Order 13579 of July 11, 2011, and established 
a process under which the Commission will periodically review its 
significant regulations to determine whether any such regulations 
should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed so as to make 
the agency's regulatory program more effective or less burdensome in 
achieving regulatory objectives. This process will include a general 
review of existing regulations in 19 CFR parts 201, 207, and 210. The 
current notice of proposed rulemaking is consistent with the plan to 
ensure that the Commission's rules are effective.
    The Commission invites the public to comment on all of these 
proposed rules amendments. In any comments, please consider addressing 
whether the language of the proposed amendments is sufficiently clear 
for users to understand. In addition please consider addressing how the 
proposed rules amendments could be improved, and offering specific 
constructive alternatives where appropriate.
    Consistent with its ordinary practice, the Commission is issuing 
these proposed amendments in accordance with the applicable 
requirements of section 553 of the APA. This procedure entails the 
following steps: (1) Publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking; 
(2) solicitation of public comments on the proposed amendments; (3) 
Commission review of public comments on the proposed amendments; and 
(4) publication of final amendments at least thirty days prior to their 
effective date.

Regulatory Analysis of Proposed Amendments to the Commission's Rules

    The Commission has determined that the proposed rules do not meet 
the criteria described in section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 
51735, Oct. 4, 1993) and thus do not constitute a significant 
regulatory action for purposes of the Executive Order.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is 
inapplicable to this rulemaking because it is not one for which a 
notice of final rulemaking is required under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) or any 
other statute. Although the Commission has chosen to publish a notice 
of proposed rulemaking, these proposed regulations are ``agency rules 
of procedure and practice,'' and thus are exempt from the notice 
requirement imposed by 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
    These proposed rules do not contain federalism implications 
warranting the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement 
pursuant to Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, Aug. 4, 1999).
    No actions are necessary under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
1995 (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) because the proposed rules will not result 
in expenditure in the aggregate by State, local, and tribal 
governments, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more in any 
one year, and will not significantly or uniquely affect small 
governments, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 601(5).
    The proposed rules are not major rules as defined by section 804 of 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 
U.S.C. 801 et seq.). Moreover, they are exempt from the reporting 
requirements of the Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996 (Pub. 
L. 104-121) because they concern rules of agency organization, 
procedure, or practice that do not substantially affect the rights or 
obligations of non-agency parties.
    The amendments are not subject to section 3504(h) of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3504(h)).

Part 201

Subpart B--Initiation and Conduct of Investigations

Section 201.16
    Section 201.16 provides the general provisions for service of 
process and other documents. In particular, section 201.16(a)(1) 
provides that the Commission may effect service by mailing or 
delivering a copy of the document to be served to the person to be 
served or to certain persons affiliated with the organization to be 
served or to

[[Page 57555]]

the person's or organization's attorney representative. Subsection 
201.16(a)(4) explains that service by mail, as provided in subsection 
201.16(a)(1) is complete upon mailing of the document. The Commission 
is currently developing the capability to perfect electronic service. 
The proposed rule would accordingly amend subsections 201.16(a)(1) and 
(4) to provide that the Commission may effect service through 
electronic means. Electronic service is complete upon transmission of a 
notification from the Commission that the document has been placed in 
an appropriate secure repository for retrieval by the person, 
organization representative, or attorney being served, unless the 
Commission is notified that the notification was not received by the 
party served.
    In addition, subsection 201.16(f) authorizes parties to serve 
documents by electronic means. The proposed rule would amend subsection 
201.16(f) to require parties serving documents by electronic means to 
ensure that any such document containing confidential business 
information subject to an administrative protective order be securely 
transmitted, in addition to being securely stored, to prevent 
unauthorized access and/or receipt by individuals or organizations not 
authorized to view the specified confidential business information.

Part 210

Subpart B--Commencement of Preinstitution Proceedings and 
Investigations

Section 210.10
    Section 337(b)(1) states that the ``Commission shall investigate 
any alleged violation of this section on complaint under oath or upon 
its initiative.'' 19 U.S.C. 1337(b)(1). Accordingly, section 210.10 
provides for institution of section 337 investigations by the 
Commission based upon a properly filed complaint. See 19 CFR 210.10(a). 
The Commission, however, is concerned about complaints that assert 
multiple unrelated patents and/or multiple technologies because the 
resulting investigation is often unwieldy and lengthy. The proposed 
rule would amend section 210.10(a) to clarify that the Commission may 
institute multiple investigations based on a single complaint where 
necessary to limit the number of technologies and/or unrelated patents 
asserted in a single investigation.
    In addition, subsection 210.10(b) provides that, when instituting 
an investigation, the Commission shall issue a notice defining the 
scope of the investigation, including whether the Commission has 
ordered the presiding administrative law judge to take evidence and to 
issue an initial determination concerning the public interest. The 
proposed rule would add subsection 210.10(b)(1) to provide that the 
notice of institution will specify in plain language the accused 
products that will be within the scope of the investigation in order to 
avoid disputes between the parties concerning the scope of the 
investigation at the outset. Comments regarding this proposed rule 
should address, in particular, whether the proposed rule would be 
useful in clarifying the scope of the investigation. The Commission 
welcomes alternate language that captures the Commission's intent with 
respect to the proposed rule. New subsection 210.10(b)(2) contains the 
existing language in subsection 210.10(b), which provides that the 
Commission may order the presiding administrative law judge to take 
evidence concerning the public interest.
    The Commission has established a ``100-Day'' proceeding to provide 
for the disposition of potentially dispositive issues within a 
specified time frame following institution of an investigation. The 
proposed rule would accordingly add subsection 210.10(b)(3) to 
authorize the Commission to direct the presiding administrative law 
judge to issue an initial determination pursuant to new subsection 
210.42(a)(3), as described below, on a potentially dispositive issue as 
set forth in the notice of investigation. The specified time frame for 
issuance of the initial determination is subject to an extension of 
time for good cause shown. As set forth in the pilot program, the 
presiding administrative law judge will have discretion to stay 
discovery during the pendency of the 100-Day proceeding.
Section 210.11
    Section 210.11--in particular, subsection 210.11(a)--provides that 
the Commission will, upon institution of an investigation, serve copies 
of the nonconfidential version of the complaint and the notice of 
investigation upon the respondent(s), the embassy in Washington, DC of 
the country in which each respondent is located, and various government 
agencies. Subsection 210.11(a)(2) concerns service by the Commission 
when it has instituted temporary relief proceedings. The proposed rule 
would amend subsection 210.11(a)(2)(i) to clarify that the Commission 
will serve on each respondent a copy of the nonconfidential version of 
the motion for temporary relief, in addition to the nonconfidential 
version of the complaint and the notice of investigation.

Subpart C--Pleadings

Section 210.12
    Section 210.12 specifies the information that a complainant must 
include in a complaint requesting institution of an investigation under 
Part 210. In particular, subsection 210.12(a)(9) details the 
information a complainant is required to include when alleging a 
violation of section 337 with respect to the infringement of a valid 
and enforceable U.S. patent. The proposed rule would amend subsection 
210.12(a)(9) by adding the requirement that complaints include the 
expiration date of each asserted patent.
Section 210.14
    Section 210.14 provides for various pre- and post-institution 
actions, including amending the complaint and notice of investigation, 
making supplemental submissions, introducing counterclaims, providing 
submissions on the public interest, and consolidating investigations. 
The proposed rule would amend section 210.14 to add subsection 
210.14(h), allowing the administrative law judge to sever an 
investigation into two or more investigations at any time prior to or 
upon issuance of the procedural schedule, based upon either a motion or 
upon the administrative law judge's judgment that severance is 
necessary to allow efficient adjudication. The Commission is seeking in 
particular comments regarding whether the administrative law judge's 
decision to sever should be in the form of an initial determination 
pursuant to new subsection 210.42(c)(3) or an order.
    The proposed rule would also add subsection 210.14(i), authorizing 
the administrative law judge to issue an order designating a 
potentially dispositive issue for an early ruling. The proposed rule 
would also provide authority for the presiding administrative law judge 
to hold expedited hearings on such dispositive issues in accordance 
with section 210.36.

Subpart D--Motions

Section 210.15
    Section 210.15 provides the procedure and requirements for motions 
during the pendency of an investigation and related proceedings, 
whether before an administrative law judge or before the Commission. 
The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.15(a)(2) to clarify that 
this provision does not allow

[[Page 57556]]

for motions, other than motions for temporary relief, to be filed with 
the Commission prior to institution of an investigation. Subsection 
210.15(a)(1) is not amended because matters are not delegated to an 
administrative law judge until after an investigation has been 
instituted.
Section 210.19
    Section 210.19 provides for intervention in an investigation or 
related proceeding. The proposed rule would amend section 210.19 to 
clarify that motions to intervene may be filed only after institution 
of an investigation or a related proceeding.
Section 210.21
    Subsections 210.21(b)(2) and (c)(2) authorize the presiding 
administrative law judge to grant by initial determination motions to 
terminate an investigation due to settlement or consent order, 
respectively. The subsections further provide that the Commission shall 
notify certain agencies of the initial determination and the settlement 
agreement or consent order. Those agencies include the U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, the 
Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Customs Service (now U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection), and such other departments and agencies as the 
Commission deems appropriate.
    Currently, the Commission effects such notice through various 
electronic means, including posting a public version of the initial 
determination and public versions of any related settlement agreements 
or consent orders on its Web site. The proposed rule would amend 
subsections 210.21(b)(2) and (c)(2) to clarify that the Commission need 
not specifically notify the listed agencies regarding any such initial 
determination and related settlement agreements or consent orders. This 
change is intended to conserve Commission resources and does not 
relieve the Commission of its obligation under section 337(b)(2) to 
consult with and seek advice and information from the indicated 
agencies as the Commission considers appropriate during the course of a 
section 337 investigation.
    In addition, subsection 210.21(c)(3) sets out the required contents 
of a consent order stipulation while subsection 210.21(c)(4) sets out 
the required contents of the consent order. The proposed rule would 
amend subsection 210.21(c)(3)(ii)(A) to conform to subsection 
210.21(c)(4)(x), which requires that the consent order stipulation and 
consent order contain a statement that a consent order shall not apply 
to any intellectual property right that has been held invalid or 
unenforceable or to any adjudicated article found not to infringe the 
asserted right or no longer in violation by the Commission or a court 
or agency of competent jurisdiction in a final, nonreviewable decision. 
The proposed rule would also amend subsection 210.21(c)(4)(viii) to add 
``any asserted patent claims,'' delete ``the claims of the asserted 
patent,'' delete the second occurrence of the word ``claims,'' and add 
the word ``claim'' after ``unfair trade practice'' in the phrase 
``validity or enforceability of the claims of the asserted patent 
claims . . . unfair trade practice in any administrative or judicial 
proceeding to enforce the Consent Order[.]'' The proposed rule would 
further amend subsection 210.21(c)(4)(x) to add ``asserted'' before 
``claim of the patent. . . .'' and to add ``claim'' after ``or unfair 
trade practice. . . .'' The proposed rule also would add new subsection 
210.21(c)(4)(xi) to require in the consent order an admission of all 
jurisdictional facts, similar to the provision requiring such a 
statement in the consent order stipulation (210.21(c)(3)(i)(A)).
Section 210.22
    The proposed rule would add new section 210.22 to allow parties to 
file a motion within 30 days of institution of the investigation 
requesting the presiding administrative law judge to issue an order 
designating a potentially dispositive issue for an early ruling. The 
proposed rule would also provide authority for the presiding 
administrative law judge to hold expedited hearings on such issues in 
accordance with section 210.36.
Section 210.25
    Section 210.25 provides for the process by which a party may 
request and the presiding administrative law judge or the Commission 
may grant sanctions. In particular, subsection 210.25(a)(1) states the 
grounds for which a party may file a motion for sanctions. The proposed 
rule would amend subsection 210.25(a)(1) to clarify that a motion for 
sanctions may be filed for abuse of discovery under subsection 
210.27(g)(3).
    In addition, subsection 210.25(a)(2) provides that a presiding 
administrative law judge or the Commission may raise sanctions issues 
as appropriate. The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.25(a)(2) 
to clarify that the subsection regarding sanctions for abuse of 
discovery is subsection 210.27(g)(3).

Subpart E--Discovery and Compulsory Process

Section 210.27
    Section 210.27 contains the general provisions governing discovery 
during a section 337 investigation or related proceeding. The proposed 
rule would add section 210.27(e)(5) to add language consistent with 
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 concerning the preservation of 
privilege between counsel and expert witnesses. In particular, the 
proposed rule specifies that privilege applies to communications 
between a party's counsel and any expert witness retained on behalf of 
that party and to any draft reports or disclosures that the expert 
prepares at counsel's behest.
    Subsection 210.27(g) details the requirements of providing 
appropriate signatures with every discovery request, response, and 
objection, and the consequences for failing to do so. The proposed rule 
would amend subsection 210.27(g)(3) to clarify that a presiding 
administrative law judge or the Commission may impose sanctions if, 
without substantial justification, a party certifies a discovery 
request, response, or objection in violation of subsection 
210.27(g)(2).
Section 210.28
    Section 210.28 provides for the taking, admissibility, and use of 
party and witness depositions. In particular, subsection 210.28(h)(3) 
provides that the deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may 
be used for any purpose if the presiding administrative law judge finds 
certain circumstances exist. The proposed rule would add subsection 
210.28(h)(3)(vi) to allow, within the discretion of the presiding 
administrative law judge, the use of agreed-upon designated deposition 
testimony in lieu of live witness testimony absent the circumstances 
enumerated in subsection 210.28(h)(3).
Section 210.32
    Section 210.32 provides for the use of subpoenas during the 
discovery phase of a section 337 investigation. In particular, 
subsection 210.32(d) provides for the filing of motions to quash a 
subpoena that the presiding administrative law judge has issued. The 
proposed rule would amend subsection 210.32(d) to clarify that a party 
upon which a subpoena has been served may file an objection to the 
subpoena within ten days of receipt of the subpoena, with the 
possibility of requesting an extension of time for filing objections 
for good cause shown. The proposed rule would also amend

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subsection 210.32(d) to clarify that any motion to quash must be filed 
within ten days of receipt of the subpoena, with the possibility of 
requesting an extension of time for good cause shown. The proposed 
amendment is intended to bring the Commission's subpoena practice into 
closer conformity with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The 
Commission requests that any comments concerning this amendment address 
any potential conflicts that may arise from copending objections and 
motions to quash.
    In addition, subsection 210.32(f) authorizes the payment of fees to 
deponents or witnesses that are subpoenaed. The proposed rule would 
amend subsection 210.32(f)(1) to clarify that such deponents and 
witnesses are entitled to receive both fees and mileage in conformance 
with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45(b)(1) and to correct the 
antecedent basis for ``fees and mileage'' as recited in subsection 
210.32(f)(2).
Section 210.34
    Section 210.34 provides for the issuance of protective orders and 
for the remedies and sanctions the Commission may impose in the event 
of a breach of a Commission-issued administrative protective order. 
Subsection 210.34(c)(1) provides that the Commission shall treat the 
identity of any alleged breacher as confidential business information 
unless the Commission determines to issue a public sanction. Subsection 
210.34(c)(1) also requires the Commission and the administrative law 
judge to allow parties to make submissions concerning these matters. 
The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.34(c)(1) to remove the 
mandatory provision requiring the Commission or the administrative law 
judge to allow the parties to make written submissions or present oral 
arguments bearing on the issue of violation of a protective order and 
the appropriate sanctions therefor. The Commission and the 
administrative law judge continue to have discretion to permit written 
submissions or oral argument bearing on administrative protective order 
violations and sanctions therefor. In the interest of preserving the 
confidentiality of the process, the Commission has decided that 
notification of all parties in an investigation regarding breach of a 
protective order may be inappropriate in many cases. Submissions from 
relevant persons will be requested as necessary and appropriate.

Subpart G--Determinations and Actions Taken

Section 210.42
    Section 210.42 provides for the issuance of initial determinations 
by the presiding administrative law judge concerning specific issues, 
including violation of section 337 under subsection 210.42(a)(1)(i), on 
motions to declassify information under subsection 210.42(a)(2), on 
issues concerning temporary relief or forfeiture of temporary relief 
bonds under subsection 210.42(b), or on other matters as specified in 
subsection 210.42(c).
    The proposed rule would add subsection 210.42(a)(3) authorizing the 
presiding administrative law judge to issue an initial determination 
ruling on a potentially dispositive issue in accordance with a 
Commission order under new subsection 210.10(b)(3) or the 
administrative law judge's order issued pursuant to new section 210.22. 
In addition, the proposed rule would require the administrative law 
judge to certify the record to the Commission and issue the initial 
determination within 100 days of when the issue is designated by the 
Commission pursuant to 210.10(b)(3) or by the administrative law judge 
pursuant to 210.14(i) or 210.22. The 100-day period for certification 
may be extended for good cause shown. This procedure differs from a 
summary determination proceeding in that the administrative law judge's 
ruling pursuant to this section is made following an evidentiary 
hearing. These changes are intended to provide a procedure for the 
early disposition of potentially dispositive issues identified by the 
Commission at institution of an investigation or by the administrative 
law judge early in procedural schedule for the investigation. This 
procedure is not intended to affect summary determination practice 
under section 210.18 whereby the ALJ may dispose of one or more issues 
in the investigation when there is no genuine issue as to material 
facts and the moving party is entitled to summary determination as a 
matter of law.
    The proposed rule would also add subsection 210.42(c)(3), 
authorizing the presiding administrative law judge to issue an initial 
determination severing an investigation into two or more investigations 
pursuant to new subsection 210.14(h).
    In addition, subsection 210.42(e) provides that the Commission 
shall notify certain agencies of each initial determination granting a 
motion for termination of an investigation in whole or part on the 
basis of a consent order or settlement, licensing, or other agreement 
pursuant to section 210.21, and notice of such other initial 
determinations as the Commission may order. Those agencies include the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of 
Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Customs Service (now 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection), and such other departments and 
agencies as the Commission deems appropriate. The rule further states 
that the indicated agencies have 10 days after service of any such 
initial determinations to submit comments. Currently, the Commission 
effects such notice through various electronic means, including posting 
a public version of the initial determination on its Web site so that 
paper service is unnecessary. The proposed rule would amend section 
210.42(e) to remove the explicit requirement that the Commission 
provide any specific notice of or directly serve any initial 
determinations concerning terminations under section 210.21 on the 
listed agencies. This change is intended to conserve Commission 
resources and does not relieve the Commission of its obligation under 
section 337(b)(2) to consult with and seek advice and information from 
the indicated agencies as the Commission considers appropriate during 
the course of a section 337 investigation.
Section 210.43
    Section 210.43 provides for the process by which a party may 
request and the Commission may consider petitions for review of initial 
determinations on matters other than temporary relief. In particular, 
subsection 210.43(a)(1) specifies when parties must file petitions for 
review based on the nature of the initial determination, and subsection 
210.43(c) specifies when parties must file responses to any petitions 
for review. The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.43(a)(1) to 
specify when parties must file petitions for review of an initial 
determination ruling on a potentially dispositive issue pursuant to new 
subsection 210.42(a)(3). The proposed rule would further amend 
subsection 210.43(c) to specify when the parties must file responses to 
any such petitions for review. Under the proposed rule, parties are 
required to file a petition for review within five calendar days after 
service of the initial determination and any responses to the petitions 
within three business days after service of a petition.
    Subsection 210.43(d)(1) provides for the length of time the 
Commission has

[[Page 57558]]

after service of an initial determination to determine whether to 
review the initial determination before it becomes the Commission's 
determination. The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.43(d)(1) to 
specify that the Commission determine whether to review initial 
determinations on early dispositive issues pursuant to new subsection 
210.42(a)(3). Under the proposed rule, the Commission shall determine 
whether to review such initial determinations within 30 days of service 
of the initial determination.
    In addition, subsection 210.43(d)(3) provides that, if the 
Commission determines to grant a petition for review, in whole or in 
part, and solicits written submissions on the issues of remedy, the 
public interest, and bonding, the Secretary of the Commission shall 
serve the notice of review on all parties, the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal 
Trade Commission, the U.S. Customs Service (now U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection), and such other departments and agencies as the Commission 
deems appropriate. Currently, the Commission effects such notice 
through various electronic means, including posting a public version of 
the notice on its Web site such that paper service is unnecessary. The 
proposed rule would amend subsection 210.43(d)(3) to remove the 
explicit requirement that the Commission provide by way of direct 
service any such notice to the indicated agencies, thus conserving 
Commission resources. This proposed rule does not affect the 
Commission's obligation under section 337(b)(2) to consult with and 
seek advice and information from the indicated agencies as the 
Commission considers appropriate during the course of a section 337 
investigation.
Section 210.47
    Section 210.47 provides the procedure by which a party may petition 
the Commission for reconsideration of a Commission determination. The 
proposed rule would amend section 210.47 to make explicit the 
Commission's authority to reconsider a determination on its own 
initiative.
Section 210.50
    Section 210.50, and in particular subsection 210.50(a)(4), requires 
the Commission to receive submissions from the parties to an 
investigation, interested persons, and other Government agencies and 
departments considering remedy, bonding, and the public interest. 
Subsection 210.50(a)(4) further requests the parties to submit comments 
concerning the public interest within 30 days of issuance of the 
presiding administrative law judge's recommended determination. It has 
come to our attention that members of the public are confused as to 
whether subsection 210.50(a)(4) applies to them since the post-
recommended determination provision is stated immediately after the 
provision requesting comments from ``interested persons.'' The proposed 
rule would amend subsection 210.50(a)(4) to clarify that the rule 
concerns post-recommended determination submissions from the parties. 
Given the variability of the dates for issuance of the public version 
of the recommended determinations, post-recommended determination 
submissions from the public are solicited via a notice published in the 
Federal Register specifying the due date for such public comments.

Subpart I--Enforcement Procedures and Advisory Opinions

Section 210.75
    Section 210.75 provides for the enforcement of remedial orders 
issued by the Commission, including exclusion orders, cease and desist 
orders, and consent orders. Subsection 210.75(a) provides for informal 
enforcement proceedings, which are not subject to the adjudication 
procedures described in subsection 210.75(b) for formal enforcement 
proceedings. In Vastfame Camera, Ltd. v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, 386 F.3d 
1108, 1113 (Fed. Cir. 2004), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal 
Circuit (``Federal Circuit'') stated that the Commission's authority to 
conduct enforcement proceedings stems from its original investigative 
authority under subsection 337(b) and its authority to issue temporary 
relief arises under subsection 337(e). Both subsections require that 
the Commission afford the parties the ``opportunity for a hearing in 
conformity with the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 
5.'' Id. at 1114-5. Subsection 210.75(a), which provides for informal 
enforcement proceedings, is therefore not in accordance with the 
Federal Circuit's holding in Vastfame. The proposed rule would, 
accordingly, delete subsection 210.75(a).
    Subsection 210.75(b) currently provides that the Commission may 
institute a formal enforcement proceeding upon the filing of a 
complaint setting forth alleged violations of any exclusion order, 
cease and desist order, or consent order. The proposed rule would amend 
subsection 210.75(b)(1), redesignated as 210.75(a)(1), to provide that 
the Commission shall determine whether to institute the requested 
enforcement proceeding within 30 days of the filing of the enforcement 
complaint, similar to the provisions recited in section 210.10(a), 
barring exceptional circumstances, a request for postponement of 
institution, or withdrawal of the enforcement complaint.
    Moreover, when the Commission has found a violation of an exclusion 
order, the Commission has issued cease and desist orders as 
appropriate. The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.75(b)(4), 
redesignated as 210.75(a)(4), to explicitly provide that the Commission 
may issue cease and desist orders pursuant to section 337(f) at the 
conclusion of a formal enforcement proceeding. The proposed rule would 
also amend subsection 210.75(b)(5), redesignated as 210.75(a)(5), to 
include issuance of new cease and desist orders pursuant to new 
subsection 210.75(a)(4).
Section 210.76
    Section 210.76 provides the method by which a party to a section 
337 investigation may seek modification or rescission of exclusion 
orders, cease and desist orders, and consent orders issued by the 
Commission. The proposed rule would modify section 210.76(a) to clarify 
that this section is in accordance with section 337(k)(1) and allows 
any person to request the Commission to make a determination that the 
conditions which led to the issuance of a remedial or consent order no 
longer exist. The proposed rule would also add subsection 210.76(a)(3) 
to require that, when the requested modification or rescission is due 
to a settlement agreement, the petition must include copies of the 
agreements, any supplemental agreements, any documents referenced in 
the petition or attached agreements, and a statement that there are no 
other agreements, consistent with rule 210.21(b)(1).
    In addition, subsection 210.76(b) specifies that the Commission may 
institute such a modification or rescission proceeding by issuing a 
notice. The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.76(b) to provide 
that the Commission shall determine whether to institute the requested 
modification or rescission proceeding within 30 days of receiving the 
request, similar to the provisions recited in section 210.10(a), 
barring exceptional circumstances, a request for postponement of 
institution, or withdrawal of the petition for

[[Page 57559]]

modification or rescission. The proposed rule would further clarify 
that the notice of institution may be amended by leave of the 
Commission. Under some circumstances, such as when settlement between 
the parties is the basis for rescission or modification of issued 
remedial orders, institution and disposition of the rescission or 
modification proceeding may be in a single notice.
Section 210.77
    Section 210.77 provides for the Commission to take temporary 
emergency action pending a formal enforcement proceeding under 
subsection 210.75(b) by immediately and without hearing or notice 
modify or revoke the remedial order under review and, if revoked, to 
replace the order with an appropriate exclusion order. As noted above, 
the Federal Circuit held in Vastfame that an enforcement proceeding 
requires that the parties be afforded an opportunity for a hearing. 386 
F.3d at 1114-15. The procedure set forth in subsection 210.77 for 
temporary emergency action pending a formal enforcement proceeding, 
therefore, is not in accordance with the Federal Circuit's holding in 
Vastfame. The proposed rule would, accordingly, delete subsection 
210.77.
Section 210.79
    Section 210.79 provides that the Commission will, upon request, 
issue advisory opinions concerning whether any person's proposed course 
of action or conduct would violate a Commission remedial order, 
including an exclusion order, cease and desist order, or consent order. 
The proposed rule would amend subsection 210.79(a) to provide that any 
responses to requests for advisory opinions shall be filed within 10 
days of service. The proposed rule would also amend subsection 
210.79(a) to provide that the Commission shall institute the advisory 
proceeding by notice, which may be amended by leave of the Commission, 
and shall determine whether to institute within 30 days of receiving 
the request barring exceptional circumstances, a request for 
postponement of institution, or withdrawal of the request for an 
advisory opinion.

List of Subjects

19 CFR Part 201

    Administration practice and procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

19 CFR Part 210

    Administration practice and procedure, Business and industry, 
Customs duties and inspection, Imports, Investigations.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the United States 
International Trade Commission proposes to amend 19 CFR parts 201 and 
210 as follows:

PART 201--RULES OF GENERAL APPLICATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 201 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  Sec. 335 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1335), 
and sec. 603 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2482), unless 
otherwise noted.

Subpart A--Miscellaneous

0
2. Amend Sec.  201.16 by revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(4), and (f) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  201.16  Service of process and other documents.

    (a) * * *
    (1) By mailing, delivering, or serving by electronic means a copy 
of the document to the person to be served, to a member of the 
partnership to be served, to the president, secretary, other executive 
officer, or member of the board of directors of the corporation, 
association, or other organization to be served, or, if an attorney 
represents any of the above before the Commission, by mailing, 
delivering, or serving by electronic means a copy to such attorney; or
* * * * *
    (4) When service is by mail, it is complete upon mailing of the 
document. When service is by an express service, service is complete 
upon submitting the document to the express delivery service or 
depositing it in the appropriate container for pick-up by the express 
delivery service. When service is by electronic means, service is 
complete upon transmission of a notification that the document has been 
placed in an appropriate repository for retrieval by the person, 
organization, representative, or attorney being served, unless the 
Commission is notified that the notification was not received by the 
party served.
* * * * *
    (f) Electronic service by parties. Parties may serve documents by 
electronic means in all matters before the Commission. Parties may 
effect such service on any party, unless that party has, upon notice to 
the Secretary and to all parties, stated that it does not consent to 
electronic service. If electronic service is used, no additional time 
is added to the prescribed period. However, any dispute that arises 
among parties regarding electronic service must be resolved by the 
parties themselves, without the Commission's involvement. When a 
document served by electronic means contains confidential business 
information subject to an administrative protective order, the document 
must be securely stored and transmitted by the serving party in a 
manner that prevents unauthorized access and/or receipt by individuals 
or organizations not authorized to view the specified confidential 
business information.

PART 210--ADJUDICATION AND ENFORCEMENT

0
3. The authority citation for part 210 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  19 U.S.C. 1333, 1335, and 1337.

Subpart B--Commencement of Preinstitution Proceedings and 
Investigations

0
4. Amend Sec.  210.10 by adding paragraph (a)(6) and revising paragraph 
(b) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.10  Institution of investigation.

    (a) * * *
    (6) The Commission may determine to institute multiple 
investigations based on a single complaint where necessary to limit the 
number of technologies and/or unrelated patents asserted in a single 
investigation.
    (b)(1) An investigation shall be instituted by the publication of a 
notice in the Federal Register. The notice will define the scope of the 
investigation in such plain language as to make explicit what accused 
products will be the subject of the investigation, and may be amended 
as provided in Sec.  210.14(b) and (c).
    (2) The Commission may order the administrative law judge to take 
evidence and to issue a recommended determination on the public 
interest based generally on the submissions of the parties and the 
public under Sec.  210.8(b) and (c). If the Commission orders the 
administrative law judge to take evidence with respect to the public 
interest, the administrative law judge will limit public interest 
discovery appropriately, with particular consideration for third 
parties, and will ensure that such discovery will not delay the 
investigation or be used improperly. Public interest issues will not be 
within the scope of discovery unless the administrative law judge is 
specifically ordered by the Commission to take evidence on these 
issues.
    (3) The Commission may order the administrative law judge to issue 
an initial determination as provided in

[[Page 57560]]

Sec.  210.42(a)(3)(i) and (ii) ruling on a potentially dispositive 
issue as set forth in the notice of investigation.
* * * * *
0
5. Amend Sec.  210.11 by revising paragraph (a)(2)(i) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  210.11  Service of complaint and notice of investigation.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Copies of the nonconfidential version of motion for temporary 
relief, the nonconfidential version of the complaint, and the notice of 
investigation upon each respondent; and
* * * * *

Subpart C--Pleadings

0
6. Amend Sec.  210.12 by adding paragraph (a)(9)(xi) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  210.12  The complaint.

    (a) * * *
    (9) * * *
    (xi) The expiration date of each patent asserted.
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec.  210.14 by revising the section heading and adding 
paragraphs (h) and (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.14  Amendments to pleadings and notice; supplemental 
submissions; counterclaims; consolidation of investigations; severance 
of investigations; designation of dispositive issue.

* * * * *
    (h) Severance of investigation. The administrative law judge may 
determine to sever an investigation into two or more investigations at 
any time prior to or upon issuance of the procedural schedule, based 
upon either a motion or upon the administrative law judge's own 
judgment that severance is necessary to limit the number of 
technologies and/or unrelated patents asserted in a single 
investigation. The administrative law judge's decision will be in the 
form of an initial determination pursuant to Sec.  210.42(c)(3).
    (i) Designation of dispositive issue. Within 30 days of institution 
of the investigation, the administrative law judge may issue an order 
designating a potentially dispositive issue for an early ruling. The 
presiding administrative law judge is authorized, in accordance with 
section 210.36, to hold expedited hearings on this issue.

Subpart D--Motions

0
8. Amend Sec.  210.15 by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.15  Motions.

    (a) * * *
    (2) When an investigation or related proceeding, not including a 
preinstitution proceeding except as otherwise prescribed by Sec.  
210.52, is before the Commission, all motions shall be addressed to the 
Chairman of the Commission. All motions shall be filed with the 
Secretary and shall be served upon each party.
* * * * *
0
9. Amend Sec.  210.19 by revising the first sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  210.19  Intervention.

    Any person desiring to intervene in an investigation or a related 
proceeding under this part shall make a written motion after 
institution of the investigation or related proceeding. * * *
0
10. Amend Sec.  210.21 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (b)(2);
0
b. Revising paragraph (c)(2);
0
c. Revising paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A);
0
d. Revising paragraph (c)(4)(viii);
0
e. Revising paragraph (c)(4)(x);
0
f. Redesignating paragraph (c)(4)(xi) as (c)(4)(xii); and
0
g. Adding new paragraph (c)(4)(xi).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  210.21  Termination of investigations.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) The motion and agreement(s) shall be certified by the 
administrative law judge to the Commission with an initial 
determination if the motion for termination is granted. If the 
licensing or other agreement or the initial determination contains 
confidential business information, copies of the agreement and initial 
determination with confidential business information deleted shall be 
certified to the Commission simultaneously with the confidential 
versions of such documents. If the Commission's final disposition of 
the initial determination results in termination of the investigation 
in its entirety, a notice will be published in the Federal Register. 
Termination by settlement need not constitute a determination as to 
violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
    (c) * * *
    (2) Commission disposition of consent order. The Commission, after 
considering the effect of the settlement by consent order upon the 
public health and welfare, competitive conditions in the U.S. economy, 
the production of like or directly competitive articles in the United 
States, and U.S. consumers, shall dispose of the initial determination 
according to the procedures of Sec. Sec.  210.42 through 210.45. If the 
Commission's final disposition of the initial determination results in 
termination of the investigation in its entirety, a notice will be 
published in the Federal Register. Termination by consent order need 
not constitute a determination as to violation of section 337. Should 
the Commission reverse the initial determination, the parties are in no 
way bound by their proposal in later actions before the Commission.
    (3) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) A statement that if any claim of the patent, copyright, 
trademark, mask work, boat hull design, or unfair trade practice claim 
that has expired or is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or 
agency of competent jurisdiction or if any article has been found or 
adjudicated not to infringe the asserted right in a final decision, no 
longer subject to appeal, this Consent Order shall become null and void 
as to such expired, invalid, or unenforceable claim or as to any 
adjudicated article;
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (viii) A statement that Respondent and its officers, directors, 
employees, agents, and any entity or individual acting on its behalf 
and with its authority shall not seek to challenge the validity or 
enforceability of any asserted patent claims, copyright, trademark, 
mask work, boat hull design, or unfair trade practice claim in any 
administrative or judicial proceeding to enforce the Consent Order;
* * * * *
    (x) A statement that if any asserted claim of the patent, 
copyright, trademark, mask work, boat hull design, or unfair trade 
practice claim is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or agency of 
competent jurisdiction or if any article has been found or adjudicated 
not to infringe the asserted right in a final decision, no longer 
subject to appeal, this Consent Order shall become null and void as to 
such invalid or unenforceable claim or adjudicated article;
    (xi) An admission of all jurisdictional facts; and
* * * * *
0
11. Add Sec.  210.22 to read as follows:


Sec.  210.22  Designation of dispositive issue.

    Any party may move within 30 days of institution of the 
investigation to request that the presiding administrative law judge 
issue an order designating a potentially dispositive issue for an early 
ruling. The presiding administrative law judge is authorized, in 
accordance with

[[Page 57561]]

Sec.  210.36, to hold expedited hearings on any such designated issue.
0
12. Amend Sec.  210.25 by revising the first sentence of paragraph 
(a)(1), and revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.25  Sanctions.

    (a)(1) Any party may file a motion for sanctions for abuse of 
process under Sec.  210.4(d)(1), abuse of discovery under Sec.  
210.27(g)(3), failure to make or cooperate in discovery under Sec.  
210.33 (b) or (c), or violation of a protective order under Sec.  
210.34(c). * * *
    (2) The administrative law judge (when the investigation or related 
proceeding is before the administrative law judge) or the Commission 
(when the investigation or related proceeding is before it) also may 
raise the sanctions issue sua sponte. (See also Sec. Sec.  
210.4(d)(1)(ii), 210.27(g)(3), 210.33(c), and 210.34(c).)
* * * * *

Subpart E--Discovery and Compulsory Process

0
13. Amend Sec.  210.27 by adding paragraph (e)(5) and revising 
paragraph (g)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.27  General provisions governing discovery.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (5)(i) The provisions of paragraphs (e)(1) through (4) of this 
section protect drafts of expert reports, regardless of the form in 
which the draft is recorded.
    (ii) The provisions of paragraphs (e)(1) through (4) of this 
section protect communications between the party's attorney and expert 
witnesses concerning trial preparation, regardless of the form of the 
communications, except to the extent that the communications:
    (A) Relate to compensation for the expert's study or testimony;
    (B) Identify facts or data that the party's attorney provided and 
that the expert considered in forming the opinions to be expressed; or
    (iii) Identify assumptions that the party's attorney provided and 
that the expert relied on in forming the opinions to be expressed.
    (g) * * *
    (3) If without substantial justification a request, response, or 
objection is certified in violation of paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section, the administrative law judge or the Commission, upon motion or 
sua sponte under Sec.  210.25 of this part, may impose an appropriate 
sanction upon the person who made the certification, the party on whose 
behalf the request, response, or objection was made, or both.
* * * * *
0
14. Amend Sec.  210.28 by revising paragraph (h)(3)(v) and adding 
paragraph (h)(3)(vi) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.28  Depositions.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (v) Upon application and notice, that such exceptional 
circumstances exist as to make it desirable in the interest of justice 
and with due regard to the importance of presenting the oral testimony 
of witnesses at a hearing, to allow the deposition to be used; or
    (vi) Upon agreement of the parties and within the administrative 
law judge's discretion, the use of designated deposition testimony in 
lieu of live witness testimony absent the circumstances otherwise 
enumerated in this paragraph is permitted.
* * * * *
0
15. Amend Sec.  210.32 by revising paragraphs (d) and (f)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  210.32  Subpoenas.

* * * * *
    (d) Objections and motions to quash. (1) Any objection to a 
subpoena shall be served in writing on the party or attorney designated 
in the subpoena within 10 days after receipt of the subpoena. The 
administrative law judge may, for good cause shown, extend the time in 
which objections may be filed.
    (2) Any motion to quash a subpoena shall be filed within 10 days 
after receipt of the subpoena. The administrative law judge may, for 
good cause shown, extend the time in which motions to quash may be 
filed.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) Deponents and witnesses. Any person compelled to appear in 
person to depose or testify in response to a subpoena shall be paid the 
same fees and mileage as are paid witnesses with respect to proceedings 
in the courts of the United States; provided, that salaried employees 
of the United States summoned to depose or testify as to matters 
related to their public employment, irrespective of the party at whose 
instance they are summoned, shall be paid in accordance with the 
applicable Federal regulations.
* * * * *
0
16. Amend Sec.  210.34 by revising paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.34  Protective orders; reporting requirement; sanctions and 
other actions.

* * * * *
    (c) Violation of protective order. (1) The issue of whether 
sanctions should be imposed may be raised on a motion by a party, the 
administrative law judge's own motion, or the Commission's own 
initiative in accordance with Sec.  210.25(a)(2). Parties, including 
the party that identifies an alleged breach or makes a motion for 
sanctions, and the Commission shall treat the identity of the alleged 
breacher as confidential business information unless the Commission 
issues a public sanction. The identity of the alleged breacher means 
the name of any individual against whom allegations are made. The 
Commission and the administrative law judge may permit the parties to 
file written submissions or present oral argument on the issues of the 
alleged violation of the protective order and sanctions.
* * * * *

Subpart G--Determinations and Actions Taken

0
17. Amend Sec.  210.42 by:
0
a. Adding paragraph (a)(3);
0
b. Adding paragraph (c)(3); and
0
c. Revising the first sentence of paragraph (e).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


Sec.  210.42  Initial determinations.

    (a) * * *
    (3) On potentially dispositive issues. The administrative law judge 
shall issue an initial determination ruling on a potentially 
dispositive issue in accordance with a Commission order pursuant to 
section Sec.  210.10(b)(3) or an administrative law judge's order 
issued pursuant to section Sec.  210.14(i) or section Sec.  210.22. The 
administrative law judge shall certify the record to the Commission and 
shall file an initial determination ruling on the potentially 
dispositive issue designated pursuant to Sec.  210.42(a)(3)(i) within 
100 days, or as extended for good cause shown, of when the issue is 
designated by the Commission pursuant to Sec.  210.10(b)(3) or by the 
administrative law judge pursuant to Sec.  210.14(i) or Sec.  210.22.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) A determination pursuant to Sec.  210.14(h) severing an 
investigation into two or more investigation shall be in the form of an 
initial determination.
* * * * *
    (e) Notice to and advice from other departments and agencies. 
Notice of such initial determinations as the Commission may order shall 
be provided to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the 
U.S.

[[Page 57562]]

Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection, and such other departments and agencies as the 
Commission deems appropriate by posting of such notice on the 
Commission's Web site. * * *
* * * * *
0
18. Amend Sec.  210.43 by:
0
a. Adding a new third sentence to paragraph (a)(1);
0
b. Revising the first sentence of paragraph (c);
0
c. Revising paragraph (d)(1); and
0
d. Revising paragraph (d)(3).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  210.43  Petitions for review of initial determinations on matters 
other than temporary relief.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * * A petition for review of an initial determination issued 
under Sec.  210.42(a)(3) must be filed within five (5) calendar days 
after service of the initial determination. * * *
* * * * *
    (c) Responses to the petition. Any party may file a response within 
eight (8) days after service of a petition for review of a final 
initial determination under Sec.  210.42(a)(1), within three (3) 
business days after service of a petition for review of an initial 
determination under Sec.  210.42(a)(3), and within five (5) business 
days after service of all other types of petitions, except that a party 
who has been found to be in default may not file a response to any 
issue as to which the party has defaulted. * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) The Commission shall decide whether to grant, in whole or in 
part, a petition for review of an initial determination filed pursuant 
to Sec.  210.42(a)(2) or Sec.  210.42(c), which grants a motion for 
summary determination that would terminate the investigation in its 
entirety if it becomes the final determination of the Commission, Sec.  
210.50(d)(3), or Sec.  210.70(c) within 45 days after the service of 
the initial determination on the parties, or by such other time as the 
Commission may order. The Commission shall decide whether to grant, in 
whole or in part, a petition for review of an initial determination 
filed pursuant to Sec.  210.42(a)(3) within 30 days after the service 
of the initial determination on the parties, or by such other time as 
the Commission may order. The Commission shall decide whether to grant, 
in whole or in part, a petition for review of an initial determination 
filed pursuant to Sec.  210.42(c), except as noted above, within 30 
days after the service of the initial determination on the parties, or 
by such other time as the Commission may order.
* * * * *
    (3) The Commission shall grant a petition for review and order 
review of an initial determination or certain issues therein when at 
least one of the participating Commissioners votes for ordering review. 
In its notice, the Commission shall establish the scope of the review 
and the issues that will be considered and make provisions for filing 
of briefs and oral argument if deemed appropriate by the Commission.
0
19. Revise Sec.  210.47 to read as follows:


Sec.  210.47  Petitions for reconsideration.

    Within 14 days after service of a Commission determination, any 
party may file with the Commission a petition for reconsideration of 
such determination or any action ordered to be taken thereunder, 
setting forth the relief desired and the grounds in support thereof. 
Any petition filed under this section must be confined to new questions 
raised by the determination or action ordered to be taken thereunder 
and upon which the petitioner had no opportunity to submit arguments. 
Any party desiring to oppose such a petition shall file an answer 
thereto within five days after service of the petition upon such party. 
The Commission on its own initiative may order reconsideration of a 
Commission determination or any action ordered to be taken thereunder. 
The filing of a petition for reconsideration shall not stay the 
effective date of the determination or action ordered to be taken 
thereunder or toll the running of any statutory time period affecting 
such determination or action ordered to be taken thereunder unless 
specifically so ordered by the Commission.
0
20. Amend Sec.  210.50 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a)(4) introductory text;
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(4)(i) through(iv) as paragraphs 
(a)(4)(ii) through (v); and
0
c. Adding new paragraph (a)(4)(i).
    The revision and additions read as follows:


Sec.  210.50   Commission action, the public interest, and bonding by 
respondents.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (4) Receive submissions from the parties, interested persons, and 
other Government agencies and departments with respect to the subject 
matter of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section.
    (i) After a recommended determination on remedy is issued by the 
presiding administrative law judge, the parties may submit to the 
Commission, within 30 days from service of the recommended 
determination, information relating to the public interest, including 
any updates to the information supplied under Sec. Sec.  210.8(b) and 
(c) and 210.14(f). Submissions by the parties in response to the 
recommended determination are limited to 5 pages, inclusive of 
attachments. This provision does not apply to the public. Dates for 
submissions from the public are announced in the Federal Register.
* * * * *

Subpart I--Enforcement Procedures and Advisory Opinions

0
21. Amend Sec.  210.75 by:
0
a. Removing paragraph (a);
0
b. Redesignating paragraph (b) as paragraph (a);
0
c. Adding paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iv);
0
d. Adding paragraph (a)(4)(iv);
0
e. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (a)(5); and
0
f. Redesignating paragraph (c) as paragraph (b).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


Sec.  210.75  Proceedings to enforce exclusion orders, cease and desist 
orders, consent orders, and other Commission orders.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) The determination of whether to institute shall be made within 
30 days after the complaint is filed, unless--
    (A) Exceptional circumstances preclude adherence to a 30-day 
deadline;
    (B) The filing party requests that the Commission postpone the 
determination on whether to institute an investigation; or
    (C) The filing party withdraws the complaint.
    (ii) If exceptional circumstances preclude Commission adherence to 
the 30-day deadline for determining whether to institute an 
investigation on the basis of the complaint, the determination will be 
made as soon after that deadline as possible.
    (iii) If the filing party desires to have the Commission postpone 
making a determination on whether to institute an investigation in 
response to the complaint, the filing party must file a written request 
with the Secretary. If the request is granted, the determination will 
be rescheduled for whatever date is appropriate in light of the facts.
    (iv) The filing party may withdraw the complaint as a matter of 
right at any time before the Commission votes on

[[Page 57563]]

whether to institute an enforcement proceeding. To effect such 
withdrawal, the filing party must file a written notice with the 
Commission.
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iv) Issue a new cease and desist order as necessary to prevent the 
unfair practices that were the basis for originally issuing the cease 
and desist order, consent order, and/or exclusion order subject to the 
enforcement proceeding.
    (5) Prior to effecting any issuance, modification, revocation, or 
exclusion under this section, the Commission shall consider the effect 
of such action upon the public health and welfare, competitive 
conditions in the U.S. economy, the production of like or directly 
competitive articles in the United States, and U.S. consumers.
* * * * *
0
22. Amend Sec.  210.76 by:
0
a. Revising the heading of paragraph (a);
0
b. Revising paragraph (a)(1);
0
c. Adding paragraph (a)(3); and
0
d. Adding paragraphs (b)(1) through (5).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  210.76  Modification or rescission of exclusion orders, cease and 
desist orders, consent orders, and seizure and forfeiture orders.

    (a) Petitions for modification or rescission of exclusion orders, 
cease and desist orders, and consent orders. (1) Whenever any person 
believes that changed conditions of fact or law, or the public 
interest, require that an exclusion order, cease and desist order, or 
consent order be modified or set aside, in whole or in part, such 
person may request, pursuant to section 337(k)(1), that the Commission 
make a determination that the conditions which led to the issuance of a 
exclusion, cease and desist, or consent order no longer exist. The 
Commission may also on its own initiative consider such action. The 
request shall state the changes desired and the changed circumstances 
or public interest warranting such action, shall include materials and 
argument in support thereof, and shall be served on all parties to the 
investigation in which the exclusion order, cease and desist order, or 
consent order was issued. Any person may file an opposition to the 
petition within 10 days of service of the petition. If the Commission 
makes such a determination, it shall notify the Secretary of the 
Treasury and U.S. Custom and Border Protection.
* * * * *
    (3) If the petition requests modification or rescission of an order 
issued pursuant to section 337 (d), (e), (f), (g), or (i) of the Tariff 
Act of 1930 on the basis of a licensing or other settlement agreement, 
the petition shall contain copies of the licensing or other settlement 
agreements, any supplemental agreements, any documents referenced in 
the petition or attached agreements, and a statement that there are no 
other agreements, written or oral, express or implied between the 
parties concerning the subject matter of the investigation. If the 
licensing or other settlement agreement contains confidential business 
information within the meaning of Sec.  201.6(a) of this chapter, a 
copy of the agreement with such information deleted shall accompany the 
motion. On motion for good cause shown, the administrative law judge or 
the Commission may limit the service of the agreements to the settling 
parties and the Commission investigative attorney.
    (b) * * *
    (1) The determination of whether to institute shall be made within 
30 days after the petition is filed, unless--
    (i) Exceptional circumstances preclude adherence to a 30-day 
deadline;
    (ii) The petitioner requests that the Commission postpone the 
determination on whether to institute a modification or rescission 
proceeding;
    (iii) The petitioner withdraws the petition; or
    (2) If exceptional circumstances preclude Commission adherence to 
the 30-day deadline for determining whether to institute a modification 
or rescission proceeding on the basis of the petition, the 
determination will be made as soon after that deadline as possible.
    (3) If the petitioner desires to have the Commission postpone 
making a determination on whether to institute a modification or 
rescission proceeding in response to the petition, the petitioner must 
file a written request with the Secretary. If the request is granted, 
the determination will be rescheduled for a date that is appropriate in 
light of the facts.
    (4) The petitioner may withdraw the complaint as a matter of right 
at any time before the Commission votes on whether to institute a 
modification or rescission proceeding. To effect such withdrawal, the 
petitioner must file a written notice with the Commission.
    (5) The Commission shall institute a modification or rescission 
proceeding by publication of a notice in the Federal Register. The 
notice will define the scope of the modification or rescission 
proceeding and may be amended by leave of the Commission.
* * * * *


Sec.  210.77  [Removed and Reserved]

0
23. Remove and reserve Sec.  210.77.
0
24. Amend Sec.  210.79 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  210.79  Advisory opinions.

    (a) Advisory opinions. Upon request of any person, the Commission 
may, upon such investigation as it deems necessary, issue an advisory 
opinion as to whether any person's proposed course of action or conduct 
would violate a Commission exclusion order, cease and desist order, or 
consent order. Any responses to a request for an advisory opinion shall 
be filed within 10 days of service of the request. The Commission will 
consider whether the issuance of such an advisory opinion would 
facilitate the enforcement of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, 
would be in the public interest, and would benefit consumers and 
competitive conditions in the United States, and whether the person has 
a compelling business need for the advice and has framed his request as 
fully and accurately as possible. Advisory opinion proceedings are not 
subject to sections 554, 555, 556, 557, and 702 of title 5 of the 
United States Code.
    (1) The determination of whether to issue and advisory opinion 
shall be made within 30 days after the petition is filed, unless--
    (i) Exceptional circumstances preclude adherence to a 30-day 
deadline;
    (ii) The requester asks the Commission to postpone the 
determination on whether to institute an advisory proceeding; or
    (iii) The petitioner withdraws the request.
    (2) If exceptional circumstances preclude Commission adherence to 
the 30-day deadline for determining whether to institute an advisory 
proceeding on the basis of the request, the determination will be made 
as soon after that deadline as possible.
    (3) If the requester desires that the Commission postpone making a 
determination on whether to institute an advisory proceeding in 
response to its request, the requester must file a written request with 
the Secretary. If the request is granted, the determination will be 
rescheduled for whatever date is appropriate in light of the facts.
    (4) The requester may withdraw the request as a matter of right at 
any time before the Commission votes on whether to institute an 
advisory proceeding. To effect such withdrawal,

[[Page 57564]]

the requester must file a written notice with the Commission.
    (5) The Commission shall institute an advisory proceeding by 
publication of a notice in the Federal Register. The notice will define 
the scope of the advisory opinion and may be amended by leave of the 
Commission.
* * * * *

     Issued: September 16, 2015.

    By order of the Commission.
Lisa R. Barton,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2015-23597 Filed 9-23-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P