Certain Collapsible Sockets for Mobile Electronic Devices and Components Thereof; Commission Determination To Review an Initial Determination in Part; Schedule for Filing Written Submissions on the Issues Under Review and on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding, 12812-12814 [2018-05906]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2018 / Notices
submissions must include the
commenter’s name and street address.
Comments, including the names and
addresses of the commenter, will be
available for public inspection at the
locations listed above during normal
business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mountain Daylight Time), Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Comments on the Draft EIS may be
submitted in writing to the BLM at any
public comment meeting or through one
of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES
section. The BLM requests that
comments be structured so they are
substantive and contain sufficient detail
to allow the BLM to address them in the
Final EIS. All comments must include a
legible full name and address on the
envelope, letter, fax, postcard, or email.
Copies of the Draft EIS have been sent
to affected Federal, State, and local
governments; public libraries in the
Project area; and interested parties that
previously requested a copy.
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or any 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
comment that your personal identifying
information be withheld from public
review, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so.
Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7.
Mary Jo Rugwell,
State Director.
[FR Doc. 2018–05858 Filed 3–22–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–22–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–1056]
Certain Collapsible Sockets for Mobile
Electronic Devices and Components
Thereof; Commission Determination
To Review an Initial Determination in
Part; Schedule for Filing Written
Submissions on the Issues Under
Review and on Remedy, the Public
Interest, and Bonding
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined to reviewin-part the presiding administrative law
judge’s initial determination (Order No.
11) granting summary determination
SUMMARY:
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that the defaulting respondents have
violated section 337 in the abovecaptioned investigation. The
Commission requests certain briefing
from the parties on the issues under
review, as indicated in this notice. The
Commission also requests briefing from
the parties and interested persons on the
issues of remedy, the public interest,
and bonding.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lucy Grace D. Noyola, Office of the
General Counsel, U.S. International
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone 202–
205–3438. 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 (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: The
Commission instituted this investigation
on May 15, 2017, based on a complaint
filed on behalf of PopSockets LLC of
Boulder, Colorado (‘‘PopSockets’’ or
‘‘Complainant’’). 82 FR 22348–49 (May
15, 2017). The complaint alleges
violations of section 337 of the Tariff
Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337
based upon the importation into the
United States, the sale for importation,
and the sale within the United States
after importation of certain collapsible
sockets for mobile electronic devices
and components thereof by reason of
infringement of U.S. Patent No.
8,560,031 (‘‘the ’031 patent’’). Id. The
notice of investigation named as
respondents Agomax Group Ltd. of
Kowloon, Hong Kong; Hangzhou
Hangkai Technology Co., Ltd. of
Zhejiang, China; Yiwu Wentou Import &
Export Co., Ltd. of Zhejiang, China;
Shenzhen Enruize Technology Co., Ltd.
of Shenzhen, China; and Guangzhou Xi
Xun Electronics Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen
Chuanghui Industry Co., Ltd. of
Guangdong, China; Shenzhen VVI
Electronic Limited; Shenzhen Yright
Technology Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Kinsen
Technology Co., Limited; Shenzhen
Showerstar Industrial Co., Ltd.;
Shenzhen Lamye Technology Co., Ltd.;
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Jiangmen Besnovo Electronics Co., Ltd.;
Shenzhen Belking Electronic Co., Ltd.;
Shenzhen CEX Electronic Co., Limited,
all of Guangdong, China. Id. The Office
of Unfair Import Investigations (‘‘OUII’’)
also was named as a party in the
investigation.
On August 22, 2017, the Commission
found the following thirteen
respondents in default: Agomax Group
Ltd.; Yiwu Wentou Import & Export Co.,
Ltd.; Hangzhou Hangkai Technology
Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Enruize Technology
Co., Ltd.; Guangzhou Xi Xun Electronics
Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen VVI Electronic
Limited; Shenzhen Yright Technology
Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Kinsen Technology
Co., Limited; Shenzhen Showerstar
Industrial Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Lamye
Technology Co., Ltd.; Jiangmen Besnovo
Electronics Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Belking
Electronic Co., Ltd.; and Shenzhen CEX
Electronic Co., Limited (collectively,
‘‘defaulting respondents’’). Notice (Aug.
22, 2017) (determining not to review
Order No. 9 (Aug. 4, 2017)).
On September 18, 2017, the
Commission terminated Shenzhen
Chuanghui Industry Co., Ltd. based on
withdrawal of the complaint as to that
respondent. Notice (Sept. 18, 2017)
(determining not to review Order No. 10
(Aug. 28, 2017)).
On August 8, 2017, PopSockets filed
a motion for summary determination
that (1) the defaulting respondents have
sold for importation into the United
States, imported into the United States,
or sold after importation certain
collapsible sockets for mobile electronic
devices and components thereof that
allegedly infringe certain claims of the
’031 patent in violation of section 337;
(2) the accused products infringe the
asserted claims of the ’031 patent; and
(3) a domestic industry with respect to
the ’031 patent exists. The motion also
requested a recommendation for entry of
a general exclusion order and a bonding
requirement pending Presidential
review. On August 31, 2017, OUII filed
a response supporting the motion in
substantial part and supporting the
requested remedy of a general exclusion
order.
On February 1, 2018, the
administrative law judge (‘‘ALJ’’) issued
an initial determination (‘‘ID’’) (Order
No. 11), granting PopSockets’ motion for
summary determination of a section 337
violation. The ID found that the
defaulting respondents’ accused
products infringe one or more of claims
9–12 of the ’031 patent, but found no
infringement of claims 16 and 17 of the
’031 patent. The ID found that the
defaulting respondents’ accused
products have been imported into the
United States and that a domestic
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industry exists in the United States with
respect to the ’031 patent. The ALJ also
issued a Recommended Determination
on Remedy and Bonding,
recommending that, if the Commission
finds a section 337 violation, the
Commission issue a general exclusion
order and impose a bond of 100 percent
during the period of Presidential review.
No petitions for review of the ID were
filed.
Having examined the record of this
investigation, including the ID, the
Commission has determined to review
in part the ALJ’s determination of a
section 337 violation. Specifically, the
Commission has determined to review
(1) the ID’s findings on the technical
prong of the domestic industry
requirement to correct a typographical
error, namely, to modify a citation to
‘‘Mem. Ex. 2 (Kemnitzer Decl.) at ¶ 77
(Infringement Analysis and Chart)’’ at
page 107 of the ID to ‘‘Mem. Ex. 2
(Kemnitzer Decl.) at ¶ 61 (Analysis and
Chart)’’ and (2) the ID’s findings on the
economic prong of the domestic
industry requirement. The Commission
has determined not to review the
remaining issues decided in the ID.
In connection with its review, the
Commission requests responses to the
following questions. The parties are
requested to brief their positions with
reference to the applicable law and the
record.
1. Please describe the nature and
significance of PopSockets’ alleged
domestic industry investments, i.e., in
the context of PopSockets’ operations,
marketplace, or industry, and whether
PopSockets’ activities have a direct
bearing on the practice of the ’031
patent. As part of your response, please
describe in detail PopSockets’ activities
in engineering, research, development,
operations, marketing, sales, service,
and assembly and what amount or
portion of the total alleged investment
under each of 19 U.S.C. 1337(a)(3)(A),
(B), and (C) is allocable to each activity.
2. Please provide a basis for crediting
any investments that occurred after the
filing date of the complaint towards the
domestic industry requirement.
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 a cease
and desist order that could result in the
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
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21:54 Mar 22, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 (Dec. 1994), Comm’n
Opinion. In particular, the written
submissions should address any request
for a cease and desist order in the
context of recent Commission opinions,
including those in Certain Arrowheads
with Deploying Blades and Components
Thereof and Packaging Therefor, Inv.
No. 337–TA–977, Comm’n Op. (Apr. 28,
2017) and Certain Electric Skin Care
Devices, Brushes and Chargers Therefor,
and Kits Containing the Same, Inv. No.
337–TA–959, Comm’n Op. (Feb. 13,
2017). Specifically, if Complainant
seeks a cease and desist order against a
defaulting respondent, the written
submissions should respond to the
following requests:
1. Please identify with citations to the
record any information regarding
commercially significant inventory in
the United States as to each respondent
against whom a cease and desist order
is sought. If Complainant also relies on
other significant domestic operations
that could undercut the remedy
provided by an exclusion order, please
identify with citations to the record
such information as to each respondent
against whom a cease and desist order
is sought.
2. In relation to the infringing
products, please identify any
information in the record, including
allegations in the pleadings, that
addresses the existence of any domestic
inventory, any domestic operations, or
any sales-related activity directed at the
United States for each respondent
against whom a cease and desist order
is sought.
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
order 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
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aforementioned public interest factors
in the context of this investigation.
If the Commission orders some form
of remedy, the U.S. 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 all of 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 is
also requested to submit proposed
remedial orders for the Commission’s
consideration. Complainant is also
requested to state the date that the
asserted patents expire and the HTSUS
numbers under which the accused
products are imported, and provide
identification information for all known
importers of the subject articles. Initial
written submissions and proposed
remedial orders must be filed no later
than close of business on Monday, April
2, 2018. Reply submissions must be
filed no later than the close of business
on Monday, April 9, 2018. No further
submissions on these issues will be
permitted unless otherwise ordered by
the Commission. Persons filing written
submissions must file the original
document electronically on or before the
deadlines stated above and submit 8
true paper copies to the Office of the
Secretary by noon the next day pursuant
to section 210.4(f) of the Commission’s
Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR
210.4(f)). Submissions should refer to
the investigation number (Inv. No. 337–
TA–1056) in a prominent place on the
cover page and/or the first page. (See
Handbook for Electronic Filing
Procedures, https://www.usitc.gov/
secretary/documents/handbook_on_
filing_procedures.pdf). Persons with
questions regarding filing should
contact the Secretary at (202) 205–2000.
Any person desiring to submit a
document to the Commission in
confidence must request confidential
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2018 / Notices
treatment. All such requests should be
directed to the Secretary to the
Commission and must include a full
statement of the reasons why the
Commission should grant such
treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents
for which confidential treatment by the
Commission is properly sought will be
treated accordingly. All information,
including confidential business
information and documents for which
confidential treatment is properly
sought, submitted to the Commission for
purposes of this investigation may be
disclosed to and used: (i) By the
Commission, its employees and Offices,
and contract personnel (a) for
developing or maintaining the records
of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in
internal investigations, audits, reviews,
and evaluations relating to the
programs, personnel, and operations of
the Commission including under 5
U.S.C. Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S.
government employees and contract
personnel,1 solely for cybersecurity
purposes. 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 Part
210 of the Commission’s Rules of
Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part
210).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: March 19, 2018.
Lisa R. Barton,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2018–05906 Filed 3–22–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation Nos. 731–TA–678–679 and
681–682 (Fourth Review)]
Stainless Steel Bar From Brazil, India,
Japan, and Spain; Scheduling of Full
Five-Year Reviews
United States International
Trade Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Commission hereby gives
notice of the scheduling of full reviews
pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930 (‘‘the
Act’’) to determine whether revocation
of the antidumping duty orders on
stainless steel bar from Brazil, India,
Japan, and Spain would be likely to lead
to continuation or recurrence of material
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SUMMARY:
1 All contract personnel will sign appropriate
nondisclosure agreements.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:54 Mar 22, 2018
Jkt 244001
injury within a reasonably foreseeable
time. The Commission has determined
to exercise its authority to extend the
review period by up to 90 days.
DATES: March 19, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristina Lara ((202) 205–3386), Office of
Investigations, U.S. International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436. Hearingimpaired persons can obtain
information on this matter by contacting
the Commission’s TDD terminal on 202–
205–1810. Persons with mobility
impairments who will need special
assistance in gaining access to the
Commission should contact the Office
of the Secretary at 202–205–2000.
General information concerning the
Commission may also be obtained by
accessing its internet server (https://
www.usitc.gov). The public record for
these reviews may be viewed on the
Commission’s electronic docket (EDIS)
at https://edis.usitc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background.—On October 6, 2017,
the Commission determined that
responses to its notice of institution of
the subject five-year reviews were such
that full reviews should proceed (82 FR
48527, October 18, 2017); accordingly,
full reviews are being scheduled
pursuant to section 751(c)(5) of the
Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1675(c)(5)).
A record of the Commissioners’ votes,
the Commission’s statement on
adequacy, and any individual
Commissioner’s statements are available
from the Office of the Secretary and at
the Commission’s website.
Participation in the reviews and
public service list.—Persons, including
industrial users of the subject
merchandise and, if the merchandise is
sold at the retail level, representative
consumer organizations, wishing to
participate in these reviews as parties
must file an entry of appearance with
the Secretary to the Commission, as
provided in section 201.11 of the
Commission’s rules, by 45 days after
publication of this notice. A party that
filed a notice of appearance following
publication of the Commission’s notice
of institution of the reviews need not
file an additional notice of appearance.
The Secretary will maintain a public
service list containing the names and
addresses of all persons, or their
representatives, who are parties to the
reviews.
For further information concerning
the conduct of these reviews and rules
of general application, consult the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and
Procedure, part 201, subparts A and B
(19 CFR part 201), and part 207,
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4703
subparts A, D, E, and F (19 CFR part
207).
Limited disclosure of business
proprietary information (BPI) under an
administrative protective order (APO)
and BPI service list.—Pursuant to
section 207.7(a) of the Commission’s
rules, the Secretary will make BPI
gathered in these reviews available to
authorized applicants under the APO
issued in the reviews, provided that the
application is made by 45 days after
publication of this notice. Authorized
applicants must represent interested
parties, as defined by 19 U.S.C. 1677(9),
who are parties to the reviews. A party
granted access to BPI following
publication of the Commission’s notice
of institution of the reviews need not
reapply for such access. A separate
service list will be maintained by the
Secretary for those parties authorized to
receive BPI under the APO.
Staff report.—The prehearing staff
report in the reviews will be placed in
the nonpublic record on June 21, 2018,
and a public version will be issued
thereafter, pursuant to section 207.64 of
the Commission’s rules.
Hearing.—The Commission will hold
a hearing in connection with the
reviews beginning at 9:30 a.m. on
Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the U.S.
International Trade Commission
Building. Requests to appear at the
hearing should be filed in writing with
the Secretary to the Commission on or
before July 3, 2018. A nonparty who has
testimony that may aid the
Commission’s deliberations may request
permission to present a short statement
at the hearing. All parties and
nonparties desiring to appear at the
hearing and make oral presentations
should participate in a prehearing
conference to be held on July 6, 2018,
at the U.S. International Trade
Commission Building, if deemed
necessary. Oral testimony and written
materials to be submitted at the public
hearing are governed by sections
201.6(b)(2), 201.13(f), 207.24, and
207.66 of the Commission’s rules.
Parties must submit any request to
present a portion of their hearing
testimony in camera no later than 7
business days prior to the date of the
hearing.
Written submissions.—Each party to
the reviews may submit a prehearing
brief to the Commission. Prehearing
briefs must conform with the provisions
of section 207.65 of the Commission’s
rules; the deadline for filing is July 2,
2018. Parties may also file written
testimony in connection with their
presentation at the hearing, as provided
in section 207.24 of the Commission’s
rules, and posthearing briefs, which
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 57 (Friday, March 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12812-12814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05906]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337-TA-1056]
Certain Collapsible Sockets for Mobile Electronic Devices and
Components Thereof; Commission Determination To Review an Initial
Determination in Part; Schedule for Filing Written Submissions on the
Issues Under Review and on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined to review-in-part the presiding
administrative law judge's initial determination (Order No. 11)
granting summary determination that the defaulting respondents have
violated section 337 in the above-captioned investigation. The
Commission requests certain briefing from the parties on the issues
under review, as indicated in this notice. The Commission also requests
briefing from the parties and interested persons on the issues of
remedy, the public interest, and bonding.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lucy Grace D. Noyola, Office of the
General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone 202-205-3438. 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 (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: The Commission instituted this investigation
on May 15, 2017, based on a complaint filed on behalf of PopSockets LLC
of Boulder, Colorado (``PopSockets'' or ``Complainant''). 82 FR 22348-
49 (May 15, 2017). The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of
the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 based upon the
importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the
sale within the United States after importation of certain collapsible
sockets for mobile electronic devices and components thereof by reason
of infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,560,031 (``the '031 patent''). Id.
The notice of investigation named as respondents Agomax Group Ltd. of
Kowloon, Hong Kong; Hangzhou Hangkai Technology Co., Ltd. of Zhejiang,
China; Yiwu Wentou Import & Export Co., Ltd. of Zhejiang, China;
Shenzhen Enruize Technology Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, China; and Guangzhou
Xi Xun Electronics Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Chuanghui Industry Co., Ltd. of
Guangdong, China; Shenzhen VVI Electronic Limited; Shenzhen Yright
Technology Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Kinsen Technology Co., Limited; Shenzhen
Showerstar Industrial Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Lamye Technology Co., Ltd.;
Jiangmen Besnovo Electronics Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Belking Electronic
Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen CEX Electronic Co., Limited, all of Guangdong,
China. Id. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations (``OUII'') also
was named as a party in the investigation.
On August 22, 2017, the Commission found the following thirteen
respondents in default: Agomax Group Ltd.; Yiwu Wentou Import & Export
Co., Ltd.; Hangzhou Hangkai Technology Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Enruize
Technology Co., Ltd.; Guangzhou Xi Xun Electronics Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen
VVI Electronic Limited; Shenzhen Yright Technology Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen
Kinsen Technology Co., Limited; Shenzhen Showerstar Industrial Co.,
Ltd.; Shenzhen Lamye Technology Co., Ltd.; Jiangmen Besnovo Electronics
Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Belking Electronic Co., Ltd.; and Shenzhen CEX
Electronic Co., Limited (collectively, ``defaulting respondents'').
Notice (Aug. 22, 2017) (determining not to review Order No. 9 (Aug. 4,
2017)).
On September 18, 2017, the Commission terminated Shenzhen Chuanghui
Industry Co., Ltd. based on withdrawal of the complaint as to that
respondent. Notice (Sept. 18, 2017) (determining not to review Order
No. 10 (Aug. 28, 2017)).
On August 8, 2017, PopSockets filed a motion for summary
determination that (1) the defaulting respondents have sold for
importation into the United States, imported into the United States, or
sold after importation certain collapsible sockets for mobile
electronic devices and components thereof that allegedly infringe
certain claims of the '031 patent in violation of section 337; (2) the
accused products infringe the asserted claims of the '031 patent; and
(3) a domestic industry with respect to the '031 patent exists. The
motion also requested a recommendation for entry of a general exclusion
order and a bonding requirement pending Presidential review. On August
31, 2017, OUII filed a response supporting the motion in substantial
part and supporting the requested remedy of a general exclusion order.
On February 1, 2018, the administrative law judge (``ALJ'') issued
an initial determination (``ID'') (Order No. 11), granting PopSockets'
motion for summary determination of a section 337 violation. The ID
found that the defaulting respondents' accused products infringe one or
more of claims 9-12 of the '031 patent, but found no infringement of
claims 16 and 17 of the '031 patent. The ID found that the defaulting
respondents' accused products have been imported into the United States
and that a domestic
[[Page 12813]]
industry exists in the United States with respect to the '031 patent.
The ALJ also issued a Recommended Determination on Remedy and Bonding,
recommending that, if the Commission finds a section 337 violation, the
Commission issue a general exclusion order and impose a bond of 100
percent during the period of Presidential review. No petitions for
review of the ID were filed.
Having examined the record of this investigation, including the ID,
the Commission has determined to review in part the ALJ's determination
of a section 337 violation. Specifically, the Commission has determined
to review (1) the ID's findings on the technical prong of the domestic
industry requirement to correct a typographical error, namely, to
modify a citation to ``Mem. Ex. 2 (Kemnitzer Decl.) at ] 77
(Infringement Analysis and Chart)'' at page 107 of the ID to ``Mem. Ex.
2 (Kemnitzer Decl.) at ] 61 (Analysis and Chart)'' and (2) the ID's
findings on the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement.
The Commission has determined not to review the remaining issues
decided in the ID.
In connection with its review, the Commission requests responses to
the following questions. The parties are requested to brief their
positions with reference to the applicable law and the record.
1. Please describe the nature and significance of PopSockets'
alleged domestic industry investments, i.e., in the context of
PopSockets' operations, marketplace, or industry, and whether
PopSockets' activities have a direct bearing on the practice of the
'031 patent. As part of your response, please describe in detail
PopSockets' activities in engineering, research, development,
operations, marketing, sales, service, and assembly and what amount or
portion of the total alleged investment under each of 19 U.S.C.
1337(a)(3)(A), (B), and (C) is allocable to each activity.
2. Please provide a basis for crediting any investments that
occurred after the filing date of the complaint towards the domestic
industry requirement.
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 a cease and desist order that could result in the 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
(Dec. 1994), Comm'n Opinion. In particular, the written submissions
should address any request for a cease and desist order in the context
of recent Commission opinions, including those in Certain Arrowheads
with Deploying Blades and Components Thereof and Packaging Therefor,
Inv. No. 337-TA-977, Comm'n Op. (Apr. 28, 2017) and Certain Electric
Skin Care Devices, Brushes and Chargers Therefor, and Kits Containing
the Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-959, Comm'n Op. (Feb. 13, 2017).
Specifically, if Complainant seeks a cease and desist order against a
defaulting respondent, the written submissions should respond to the
following requests:
1. Please identify with citations to the record any information
regarding commercially significant inventory in the United States as to
each respondent against whom a cease and desist order is sought. If
Complainant also relies on other significant domestic operations that
could undercut the remedy provided by an exclusion order, please
identify with citations to the record such information as to each
respondent against whom a cease and desist order is sought.
2. In relation to the infringing products, please identify any
information in the record, including allegations in the pleadings, that
addresses the existence of any domestic inventory, any domestic
operations, or any sales-related activity directed at the United States
for each respondent against whom a cease and desist order is sought.
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 order 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 U.S. 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 all of 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 is also requested to submit
proposed remedial orders for the Commission's consideration.
Complainant is also requested to state the date that the asserted
patents expire and the HTSUS numbers under which the accused products
are imported, and provide identification information for all known
importers of the subject articles. Initial written submissions and
proposed remedial orders must be filed no later than close of business
on Monday, April 2, 2018. Reply submissions must be filed no later than
the close of business on Monday, April 9, 2018. No further submissions
on these issues will be permitted unless otherwise ordered by the
Commission. Persons filing written submissions must file the original
document electronically on or before the deadlines stated above and
submit 8 true paper copies to the Office of the Secretary by noon the
next day pursuant to section 210.4(f) of the Commission's Rules of
Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 210.4(f)). Submissions should refer to
the investigation number (Inv. No. 337-TA-1056) in a prominent place on
the cover page and/or the first page. (See Handbook for Electronic
Filing Procedures, https://www.usitc.gov/secretary/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf). Persons with questions regarding
filing should contact the Secretary at (202) 205-2000.
Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission in
confidence must request confidential
[[Page 12814]]
treatment. All such requests should be directed to the Secretary to the
Commission and must include a full statement of the reasons why the
Commission should grant such treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents for
which confidential treatment by the Commission is properly sought will
be treated accordingly. All information, including confidential
business information and documents for which confidential treatment is
properly sought, submitted to the Commission for purposes of this
investigation may be disclosed to and used: (i) By the Commission, its
employees and Offices, and contract personnel (a) for developing or
maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in
internal investigations, audits, reviews, and evaluations relating to
the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including
under 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. government employees and
contract personnel,\1\ solely for cybersecurity purposes. All
nonconfidential written submissions will be available for public
inspection at the Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.
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\1\ All contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure
agreements.
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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 Part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR
part 210).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: March 19, 2018.
Lisa R. Barton,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2018-05906 Filed 3-22-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P