Certain Toner Cartridges, Components Thereof, and Systems Containing Same Issuance of a General Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of Investigation, 76599-76601 [2020-26277]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Notices
the conveyance and may sustain, vacate,
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Authority: 43 CFR 2640 and FAA 14 CFR
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Kimber Liebhauser,
Wyoming Acting State Director.
[FR Doc. 2020–26324 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–22–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–1174]
Certain Toner Cartridges, Components
Thereof, and Systems Containing
Same Issuance of a General Exclusion
Order and Cease and Desist Orders;
Termination of Investigation
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has affirmed a summary
determination of violation of section
337 and has determined to issue (1) a
general exclusion order (‘‘GEO’’)
denying entry of certain toner
cartridges, components thereof, and
systems containing same; and (2) cease
and desist orders (‘‘CDOs’’) against 20
respondents (listed below). The
investigation is terminated.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Panyin A. Hughes, Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)
205–3179. Copies of non-confidential
documents filed in connection with this
investigation may be viewed on the
Commission’s electronic docket (EDIS)
at https://edis.usitc.gov. For help
accessing EDIS, please email
EDIS3Help@usitc.gov. General
information concerning the Commission
TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
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may also be obtained by accessing its
internet server at https://www.usitc.gov.
Hearing-impaired persons are advised
that information on this matter can be
obtained by contacting the
Commission’s TDD terminal, telephone
(202) 205–1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
September 23, 2019, the Commission
instituted this investigation based on a
complaint filed by Brother Industries,
Ltd. of Nagoya Japan; Brother
International Corp. (U.S.A.) of
Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Brother
Industries (U.S.A.), Inc. of Bartlett,
Tennessee (collectively, ‘‘Brother’’). 84
FR 49762–63 (Sept. 23, 2019). The
complaint alleged violations of section
337 based on the importation into the
United States, the sale for importation,
or the sale within the United States after
importation of certain toner cartridges,
components thereof, and systems
containing same by reason of
infringement of certain claims of U.S.
Patent Nos. 9,568,856 (‘‘the ’856
patent’’); 9,575,460 (‘‘the ’460 patent’’);
9,632,456 (‘‘the ’456 patent’’); 9,785,093
(‘‘the ’093 patent’’); and 9,846,387 (‘‘the
’387 patent’’) (collectively, ‘‘the
Asserted Patents’’). Id. The
Commission’s notice of investigation
named the following 32 respondents:
AMI Brothers, Inc. of San Bruno,
California (‘‘AMI’’); An An Beauty
Limited of Kowloon, Hong Kong (‘‘An
An Beauty’’); Aster Graphics, Inc. of
Riverside, California (‘‘Aster’’); Aztech
Enterprises Limited of Kowloon, Hong
Kong (‘‘Aztech’’); Billiontree
Technology USA Inc. of City of
Industry, California (‘‘Billiontree’’);
Carlos Imaging Supplies, Inc. of
Hacienda Heights, California (‘‘Carlos’’);
Cartridge Evolution, Inc. of Brooklyn,
New York (‘‘Cartridge Evolution’’); Do it
Wiser, LLC of Wilmington, Delaware
(‘‘Do it Wiser’’); Eco Imaging Inc. of
Irvine, California (‘‘Eco Imaging’’);
Ecoolsmart Co. of Rowland Heights,
California (‘‘Ecoolsmart’’); EPrinter
Solution LLC of Pomona, California
(‘‘EPS’’); E-Z Ink Inc. of Brooklyn, New
York (‘‘E-Z Ink’’); Globest Trading Inc.
of Ontario, California (‘‘Globest’’);
Greencycle Tech, Inc. of South El
Monte, California (‘‘Greencycle’’);
Hongkong Boze Co., Ltd. of Kowloon,
Hong Kong (‘‘Hongkong Boze’’); I8
International, Inc. of City of Industry,
California (‘‘I8’’); IFree E-Commerce Co.
of Kowloon, Hong Kong (‘‘IFree’’); Ikong
E-Commerce of Walnut, California
(‘‘Ikong’’); Intercon International Corp.
of Brea, California (‘‘Intercon’’); IPrint
Enterprise Limited of Kowloon, Hong
Kong (‘‘IPrint’’); LD Products, Inc. of
Long Beach, California (‘‘LD Products’’);
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76599
Linkyo Corp. of La Puente, California
(‘‘Linkyo’’); Mangoket LLC of Alhambra,
California (‘‘Mangoket’’); New Era Image
LLC of Corona, California (‘‘New Era’’);
OW Supplies Corp. of Corona,
California (‘‘OW Supplies’’); Solong ECommerce Co., LLC of Wan Chai, Hong
Kong (‘‘Solong’’); Smartjet E-Commerce
Co., LLC of Wan Chai, Hong Kong
(‘‘Smartjet’’); Super Warehouse Inc. of
Blaine, Washington (‘‘Super
Warehouse’’); Theresa Meng of
Brooklyn, New York (‘‘Ms. Meng’’);
Triple Best LLC of San Diego, California
(‘‘Triple Best’’); V4ink, Inc. of Diamond
Bar, California (‘‘V4ink’’); and Zhuhai
Xiaohui E-Commerce Co., Ltd. of
Zhuhai, China (‘‘Xiaohui’’). Id. at
49762–63. The notice of investigation
also named the Office of Unfair Import
Investigations (‘‘OUII’’) as a party. Id. at
49763.
Of the 32 respondents, only one,
Aster, is participating at this stage.
Aster, however, did not oppose the
summary determination motion of
violation as to the accused products,
even though Aster’s products are subject
to the motion. See Joint Stipulation of
Brother and Aster for Resolution as to
Aster in the Investigation (Mar. 4, 2020).
EPS and IFree were terminated from the
investigation based upon withdrawal of
the complaint against them. See Order
No. 32 (Jan. 28, 2020), unreviewed by
Comm’n Notice (Feb. 25, 2020).
Cartridge Evolution, E-Z Ink, Linkyo,
New Era, OW Supplies, Ms. Meng,
Triple Best, and V4ink were terminated
from the investigation based upon entry
of consent orders. See Order No. 36
(Mar. 12, 2020), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Mar. 31, 2020); Order No. 38
(Mar. 12, 2020), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Mar. 31, 2020); Order No. 37
(Mar. 12, 2020), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Mar. 31, 2020); Order No. 10
(Oct. 18, 2019), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Nov. 6, 2019); Order No. 17
(Nov. 21, 2019), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Dec. 18, 2019); Order No. 28
(Dec. 30, 2019), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Jan. 29, 2020); Order No. 18
(Nov. 27, 2019), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Dec. 18, 2019); Order No. 33 (Fe.
3, 2020), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Mar. 4, 2020). The following 21
respondents defaulted: AMI, Globest,
An An Beauty, Aztech, Xiaohui,
Ecoolmart, Greencycle, Intercon, Do it
Wiser, I8, Solong, Billiontree, Carlos
Imaging, Eco Imaging, Hongkong Boze,
Ikong, IPrint, Mangoket, Smartjet, Super
Warehouse, and LD Products
(collectively, ‘‘Defaulting
Respondents’’). See Order No. 35 (Mar.
5, 2020), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Mar. 19, 2020); Order No. 31 (Jan. 22,
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2020), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Feb. 21, 2020); Order No. 26 (Dec. 20,
2019), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Jan 16, 2020); Order No. 25 (Dec. 18,
2019), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Jan. 16, 2020); Order No. 24 (Dec. 18,
2019), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Jan. 16, 2020); Order No. 8 (Oct. 15,
2019), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Nov. 7, 2019).
On March 12, 2020, Brother filed a
motion for summary determination of
violation of section 337 by Aster and the
Defaulting Respondents and for a
recommendation that the Commission
issue a GEO and CDOs. See
Complainants’ Motion for Summary
Determination of Violation and for
Recommended Determination on
Remedy and Bonding. On March 23,
2020, OUII filled a response in support
of Brother’s motion. See Commission
Investigative Staff’s Response to
Brother’s Motion for Summary
Determination of Violation. No
respondent filed a response to Brother’s
motion. Id.
On July 23, 2020, the presiding
administrative law judge (‘‘ALJ’’) issued
an initial determination (‘‘ID’’) (Order
No. 40) granting Brother’s motion for
summary determination on violation of
section 337 and issued a recommended
determination (‘‘RD’’) on remedy and
bonding. The ID found that the
Commission has subject matter
jurisdiction over the investigation. ID at
34. The ID further found that none of
the respondents contest the
Commission’s personal jurisdiction over
them or in rem jurisdiction as to the
accused products. ID at 34–35. The ID
found that Brother: (1) Established the
importation requirement as to Aster and
Defaulting Respondents, ID at 36–79; (2)
demonstrated that the accused products
infringe the asserted claims, id. at 118–
133; and (3) demonstrated that the
domestic industry (‘‘DI’’) products
practice at least one claim of each
Asserted Patent and that a DI exists in
the United States, id. at 84–118. The RD
recommended issuance of a general
exclusion order (‘‘GEO’’) (or, in the
alternative, a limited exclusion order
directed to Aster and each of the
Defaulting Respondents). RD at 134–44.
The RD further recommended issuance
of cease and desist orders (‘‘CDOs’’)
directed to Aster and each defaulting
respondent that has domestic
operations. Id. at 144–46. The RD also
recommended setting different bond
rates for entry of the different products
covered by the GEO during the period
of Presidential review. Id. at 146–48
(recommended bond rate table at 147).
No one petitioned for review of the ID.
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On August 24, 2020, Aster filed a
public interest statement in response to
the Commission’s notice soliciting
public interest comments pursuant to 19
CFR 210.50(a)(4)(i). In its submission,
Aster argued that any Commission
remedial orders issued in this
investigation should not cover its new
products pursuant to its stipulation with
Brother. See Respondent Aster
Graphics, Inc.’s Statement of Public
Interest. On August 26, 2020, Brother
filed a response. See Complainants’
Motion to Strike Aster Graphics, Inc.’s
Statement on the Public Interest for
Failure to Comply with Commission
Rule 210.15 Or, in the Alternative, for
Leave to Respond.
On September 8, 2020, the
Commission determined not to review
the ID and requested written
submissions on remedy, the public
interest, and bonding. 85 FR 56628–31
(Sept. 14, 2020). The Commission
rejected Aster’s August 24, 2020 public
interest submission as improper under
19 CFR 210.50(a)(4)(i). Id. at 56630. The
Commission noted that while 19 CFR
210.50(a)(4)(i) provides that parties may
file information with the Commission
relating to the public interest, Aster’s
submission concerned the scope of the
remedy and thus did not fall within the
ambit of the public interest submissions
provided for under 19 CFR
210.50(a)(4)(i). Id. The Commission
stated that ‘‘Aster will have an
opportunity to raise its arguments
regarding the scope of any remedial
orders in a remedy submission before
the Commission in response to the
instant notice, which invites parties to
file submissions addressing remedy,
bonding and the public interest as noted
below.’’ Id.
On September 22, 2020, Brother,
Aster, and OUII filed initial submissions
in response to the Commission’s
request. See Complainants’ Submission
on Remedy, the Public Interest, and
Bonding; Respondent Aster Graphics,
Inc.’s Submission on Remedy, the
Public Interest and Bonding; Response
of the Office of Unfair Import
Investigations to the Commission’s
Request for Written Submissions
Regarding Remedy, the Public Interest,
and Bonding. On September 29, 2020,
the parties filed reply submissions. See
Complainants’ Reply Submission on
Remedy, the Public Interest, and
Bonding; 1 Respondent Aster Graphics,
Inc.’s Reply to the Submission of the
Office of Unfair Import Investigations
1 The Chair granted Brother’s motion for leave to
file one day late. Brother filed on time but
inadvertently omitted to include the certificate of
service. Brother corrected the omission the next
day.
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and Complainants on Remedy, the
Public Interest and Bonding; Reply of
the Office of Unfair Import
Investigations to the Private Parties’
Written Submissions Regarding
Remedy, the Public Interest, and
Bonding.
As noted above, the Commission
affirmed the ID’s finding that there is a
violation of section 337 with respect to
Aster and Defaulting Respondents. The
Commission also finds that the statutory
requirements for issuance of a GEO
under section 337(d)(2) are met. See 19
U.S.C. 1337(d)(2). The Commission
further finds that issuance of CDOs
against Aster and 19 of the defaulting
respondents (noted below) is
appropriate under section 337(f)(1). See
19 U.S.C. 1337(f)(1). In addition, the
Commission finds that the public
interest factors do not preclude issuance
of the requested relief. See 19 U.S.C.
1337(d)(1), (f)(1).
The Commission therefore has
determined that the appropriate remedy
in this investigation is: (1) A GEO
prohibiting the unlicensed importation
of certain toner cartridges, components
thereof, and systems containing same
that infringe one or more of claims 1–
5, 10, and 12–15 of the ’093 patent;
claims 1, 7–11, 15, and 16 of the ’460
patent; claims 1–7, and 9 of the ’856
patent; claims 1, 4, 5, and 9 of the ’456
patent; and claims 1, 3, 5, 7–12, and 18
of the ’387 patent; and (2) CDOs
directed to Aster, AMI, Billiontree,
Carlos Imaging, Do It Wiser, Eco
Imaging, Ecoolmart, Globest,
Greencycle, Hongkong Boze, I8, Ikong,
Intercon, IPrint, LD Products, Mangoket,
Smartjet, Solong, Super Warehouse, and
Xiaohui. The Commission has also
determined that the bond during the
period of Presidential review shall be in
the amount of the following percentages
of the entered value for respondents
AMI, Aster, and Globest:
Infringing products
Accused 221/225
Products ............
Accused 223/227
Products ............
Accused 420/450
Products ............
Accused 630/660
Products ............
Accused 730/760/
770 Products ....
AMI
(%)
Aster
(%)
Globest
(%)
568
1463
900
274
336
372
..........
623
682
575
886
635
589
354
369
The bond for all other infringing
articles shall be in the amount of one
hundred percent (100%) of the entered
value.
The Commission’s orders were
delivered to the President and to the
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Notices
United States Trade Representative on
the day of their issuance. The
investigation is terminated.
While temporary remote operating
procedures are in place in response to
COVID–19, the Office of the Secretary is
not able to serve parties that have not
retained counsel or otherwise provided
a point of contact for electronic service.
Accordingly, pursuant to Commission
Rules 201.16(a) and 210.7(a)(1) (19 CFR
201.16(a), 210.7(a)(1)), the Commission
orders that the Complainant complete
service for any party without a method
of electronic service noted on the
attached Certificate of Service and shall
file proof of service on the Electronic
Document Information System (EDIS).
The Commission vote for this
determination took place on November
23, 2020.
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: November 23, 2020.
William Bishop,
Supervisory Hearings and Information
Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020–26277 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–1225]
Notice of a Commission Determination
Not to Review an Initial Determination
Terminating the Investigation in Its
Entirety Based on Withdrawal of the
Complaint; Termination of the
Investigation; Certain Active Matrix
OLED Display Devices and
Components Thereof
International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the International Trade Commission has
determined not to review an initial
determination (‘‘ID’’) (Order No. 7) of
the presiding administrative law judge
(‘‘ALJ’’) terminating the investigation
based on withdrawal of the complaint.
The investigation is terminated.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Clint Gerdine, Esq., Office of the
General Counsel, U.S. International
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)
708–2310. Copies of non-confidential
TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:03 Nov 27, 2020
Jkt 253001
documents filed in connection with this
investigation may be viewed on the
Commission’s electronic docket (EDIS)
at https://edis.usitc.gov. For help
accessing EDIS, please email
EDIS3Help@usitc.gov. General
information concerning the Commission
may also be obtained by accessing its
internet server at https://www.usitc.gov.
Hearing-impaired persons are advised
that information on this matter can be
obtained by contacting the
Commission’s TDD terminal, telephone
202–205–1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Commission instituted this investigation
on October 28, 2020, based on a
complaint filed by Solas OLED Ltd.
(‘‘Solas’’) of Dublin, Ireland. 85 FR
68368–69 (Oct. 28, 2020). 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 active matrix
OLED display devices and components
thereof by reason of infringement of
certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos.
8,139,007; 7,573,068; and 7,868,880.
The complaint further alleges the
existence of a domestic industry. The
Commission’s notice of investigation
named the following as respondents:
Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California;
Sony Electronics Inc. of San Diego,
California; Samsung Electronics
America, Inc. of Ridgefield Park, New
Jersey; Samsung Display Co., Ltd. and
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., both of
Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; Dell
Technologies Inc. of Round Rock, Texas;
Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago,
Illinois; LG Electronics Inc. and LG
Display Co., Ltd., both of Seoul, South
Korea; LG Display America, Inc. of San
Jose, California; and LG Electronics
USA, Inc. of Englewood Cliffs, New
Jersey. The Office of Unfair Import
Investigations is participating in the
investigation.
On November 6, 2020, Solas moved to
terminate the investigation in its
entirety based on withdrawal of the
complaint. No party opposed the
motion.
On November 12, 2020, the ALJ
issued the subject ID (Order No. 7),
granting the unopposed motion to
terminate the investigation in its
entirety based on withdrawal of the
complaint. The ID finds that the motion
for termination satisfies Commission
Rule 210.21(a)(1) (19 CFR 210.21(a)(1))
and that termination of the investigation
is not contrary to the public interest.
The ID also finds that no extraordinary
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76601
circumstances exist that would prevent
the requested termination. No party
petitioned for review.
The Commission has determined not
to review the subject ID. The
investigation is terminated.
The Commission vote for this
determination took place on November
24, 2020.
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: November 24, 2020.
William Bishop,
Supervisory Hearings and Information
Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020–26357 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation Nos. 731–TA–1546–1549
(Preliminary)]
Thermal Paper From Germany, Japan,
Korea, and Spain
Determination
On the basis of the record 1 developed
in the subject investigations, the United
States International Trade Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) determines, pursuant
to the Tariff Act of 1930 (‘‘the Act’’),
that there is a reasonable indication that
industries in the United States are
materially injured by reason of imports
of thermal paper from Germany, Japan,
Korea, and Spain, provided for in
subheadings 4811.80.80 and 4811.80.90
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States, that are alleged to be
sold in the United States at less than fair
value (‘‘LTFV’’).2
Commencement of Final Phase
Investigation
Pursuant to section 207.18 of the
Commission’s rules, the Commission
also gives notice of the commencement
of the final phase of its investigations.
The Commission will issue a final phase
notice of scheduling, which will be
published in the Federal Register as
provided in section 207.21 of the
Commission’s rules, upon notice from
the U.S. Department of Commerce
(‘‘Commerce’’) of affirmative
preliminary determinations in the
1 The record is defined in § 207.2(f) of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19
CFR 207.2(f)).
2 85 FR 65073 (October 14, 2020).
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 230 (Monday, November 30, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76599-76601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26277]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337-TA-1174]
Certain Toner Cartridges, Components Thereof, and Systems
Containing Same Issuance of a General Exclusion Order and Cease and
Desist Orders; Termination of Investigation
AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade
Commission has affirmed a summary determination of violation of section
337 and has determined to issue (1) a general exclusion order (``GEO'')
denying entry of certain toner cartridges, components thereof, and
systems containing same; and (2) cease and desist orders (``CDOs'')
against 20 respondents (listed below). The investigation is terminated.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Panyin A. Hughes, Office of the
General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205-3179. Copies of non-
confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation may
be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov. For help accessing EDIS, please email
[email protected]. General information concerning the Commission may
also be obtained by accessing its internet server at https://www.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on
this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD
terminal, telephone (202) 205-1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 23, 2019, the Commission
instituted this investigation based on a complaint filed by Brother
Industries, Ltd. of Nagoya Japan; Brother International Corp. (U.S.A.)
of Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Brother Industries (U.S.A.), Inc. of
Bartlett, Tennessee (collectively, ``Brother''). 84 FR 49762-63 (Sept.
23, 2019). The complaint alleged violations of section 337 based on the
importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the
sale within the United States after importation of certain toner
cartridges, components thereof, and systems containing same by reason
of infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,568,856 (``the
'856 patent''); 9,575,460 (``the '460 patent''); 9,632,456 (``the '456
patent''); 9,785,093 (``the '093 patent''); and 9,846,387 (``the '387
patent'') (collectively, ``the Asserted Patents''). Id. The
Commission's notice of investigation named the following 32
respondents: AMI Brothers, Inc. of San Bruno, California (``AMI''); An
An Beauty Limited of Kowloon, Hong Kong (``An An Beauty''); Aster
Graphics, Inc. of Riverside, California (``Aster''); Aztech Enterprises
Limited of Kowloon, Hong Kong (``Aztech''); Billiontree Technology USA
Inc. of City of Industry, California (``Billiontree''); Carlos Imaging
Supplies, Inc. of Hacienda Heights, California (``Carlos''); Cartridge
Evolution, Inc. of Brooklyn, New York (``Cartridge Evolution''); Do it
Wiser, LLC of Wilmington, Delaware (``Do it Wiser''); Eco Imaging Inc.
of Irvine, California (``Eco Imaging''); Ecoolsmart Co. of Rowland
Heights, California (``Ecoolsmart''); EPrinter Solution LLC of Pomona,
California (``EPS''); E-Z Ink Inc. of Brooklyn, New York (``E-Z Ink'');
Globest Trading Inc. of Ontario, California (``Globest''); Greencycle
Tech, Inc. of South El Monte, California (``Greencycle''); Hongkong
Boze Co., Ltd. of Kowloon, Hong Kong (``Hongkong Boze''); I8
International, Inc. of City of Industry, California (``I8''); IFree E-
Commerce Co. of Kowloon, Hong Kong (``IFree''); Ikong E-Commerce of
Walnut, California (``Ikong''); Intercon International Corp. of Brea,
California (``Intercon''); IPrint Enterprise Limited of Kowloon, Hong
Kong (``IPrint''); LD Products, Inc. of Long Beach, California (``LD
Products''); Linkyo Corp. of La Puente, California (``Linkyo'');
Mangoket LLC of Alhambra, California (``Mangoket''); New Era Image LLC
of Corona, California (``New Era''); OW Supplies Corp. of Corona,
California (``OW Supplies''); Solong E-Commerce Co., LLC of Wan Chai,
Hong Kong (``Solong''); Smartjet E-Commerce Co., LLC of Wan Chai, Hong
Kong (``Smartjet''); Super Warehouse Inc. of Blaine, Washington
(``Super Warehouse''); Theresa Meng of Brooklyn, New York (``Ms.
Meng''); Triple Best LLC of San Diego, California (``Triple Best'');
V4ink, Inc. of Diamond Bar, California (``V4ink''); and Zhuhai Xiaohui
E-Commerce Co., Ltd. of Zhuhai, China (``Xiaohui''). Id. at 49762-63.
The notice of investigation also named the Office of Unfair Import
Investigations (``OUII'') as a party. Id. at 49763.
Of the 32 respondents, only one, Aster, is participating at this
stage. Aster, however, did not oppose the summary determination motion
of violation as to the accused products, even though Aster's products
are subject to the motion. See Joint Stipulation of Brother and Aster
for Resolution as to Aster in the Investigation (Mar. 4, 2020). EPS and
IFree were terminated from the investigation based upon withdrawal of
the complaint against them. See Order No. 32 (Jan. 28, 2020),
unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Feb. 25, 2020). Cartridge Evolution, E-Z
Ink, Linkyo, New Era, OW Supplies, Ms. Meng, Triple Best, and V4ink
were terminated from the investigation based upon entry of consent
orders. See Order No. 36 (Mar. 12, 2020), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice
(Mar. 31, 2020); Order No. 38 (Mar. 12, 2020), unreviewed by Comm'n
Notice (Mar. 31, 2020); Order No. 37 (Mar. 12, 2020), unreviewed by
Comm'n Notice (Mar. 31, 2020); Order No. 10 (Oct. 18, 2019), unreviewed
by Comm'n Notice (Nov. 6, 2019); Order No. 17 (Nov. 21, 2019),
unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Dec. 18, 2019); Order No. 28 (Dec. 30,
2019), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Jan. 29, 2020); Order No. 18 (Nov.
27, 2019), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Dec. 18, 2019); Order No. 33
(Fe. 3, 2020), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Mar. 4, 2020). The
following 21 respondents defaulted: AMI, Globest, An An Beauty, Aztech,
Xiaohui, Ecoolmart, Greencycle, Intercon, Do it Wiser, I8, Solong,
Billiontree, Carlos Imaging, Eco Imaging, Hongkong Boze, Ikong, IPrint,
Mangoket, Smartjet, Super Warehouse, and LD Products (collectively,
``Defaulting Respondents''). See Order No. 35 (Mar. 5, 2020),
unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Mar. 19, 2020); Order No. 31 (Jan. 22,
[[Page 76600]]
2020), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Feb. 21, 2020); Order No. 26 (Dec.
20, 2019), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Jan 16, 2020); Order No. 25
(Dec. 18, 2019), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Jan. 16, 2020); Order No.
24 (Dec. 18, 2019), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Jan. 16, 2020); Order
No. 8 (Oct. 15, 2019), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Nov. 7, 2019).
On March 12, 2020, Brother filed a motion for summary determination
of violation of section 337 by Aster and the Defaulting Respondents and
for a recommendation that the Commission issue a GEO and CDOs. See
Complainants' Motion for Summary Determination of Violation and for
Recommended Determination on Remedy and Bonding. On March 23, 2020,
OUII filled a response in support of Brother's motion. See Commission
Investigative Staff's Response to Brother's Motion for Summary
Determination of Violation. No respondent filed a response to Brother's
motion. Id.
On July 23, 2020, the presiding administrative law judge (``ALJ'')
issued an initial determination (``ID'') (Order No. 40) granting
Brother's motion for summary determination on violation of section 337
and issued a recommended determination (``RD'') on remedy and bonding.
The ID found that the Commission has subject matter jurisdiction over
the investigation. ID at 34. The ID further found that none of the
respondents contest the Commission's personal jurisdiction over them or
in rem jurisdiction as to the accused products. ID at 34-35. The ID
found that Brother: (1) Established the importation requirement as to
Aster and Defaulting Respondents, ID at 36-79; (2) demonstrated that
the accused products infringe the asserted claims, id. at 118-133; and
(3) demonstrated that the domestic industry (``DI'') products practice
at least one claim of each Asserted Patent and that a DI exists in the
United States, id. at 84-118. The RD recommended issuance of a general
exclusion order (``GEO'') (or, in the alternative, a limited exclusion
order directed to Aster and each of the Defaulting Respondents). RD at
134-44. The RD further recommended issuance of cease and desist orders
(``CDOs'') directed to Aster and each defaulting respondent that has
domestic operations. Id. at 144-46. The RD also recommended setting
different bond rates for entry of the different products covered by the
GEO during the period of Presidential review. Id. at 146-48
(recommended bond rate table at 147). No one petitioned for review of
the ID.
On August 24, 2020, Aster filed a public interest statement in
response to the Commission's notice soliciting public interest comments
pursuant to 19 CFR 210.50(a)(4)(i). In its submission, Aster argued
that any Commission remedial orders issued in this investigation should
not cover its new products pursuant to its stipulation with Brother.
See Respondent Aster Graphics, Inc.'s Statement of Public Interest. On
August 26, 2020, Brother filed a response. See Complainants' Motion to
Strike Aster Graphics, Inc.'s Statement on the Public Interest for
Failure to Comply with Commission Rule 210.15 Or, in the Alternative,
for Leave to Respond.
On September 8, 2020, the Commission determined not to review the
ID and requested written submissions on remedy, the public interest,
and bonding. 85 FR 56628-31 (Sept. 14, 2020). The Commission rejected
Aster's August 24, 2020 public interest submission as improper under 19
CFR 210.50(a)(4)(i). Id. at 56630. The Commission noted that while 19
CFR 210.50(a)(4)(i) provides that parties may file information with the
Commission relating to the public interest, Aster's submission
concerned the scope of the remedy and thus did not fall within the
ambit of the public interest submissions provided for under 19 CFR
210.50(a)(4)(i). Id. The Commission stated that ``Aster will have an
opportunity to raise its arguments regarding the scope of any remedial
orders in a remedy submission before the Commission in response to the
instant notice, which invites parties to file submissions addressing
remedy, bonding and the public interest as noted below.'' Id.
On September 22, 2020, Brother, Aster, and OUII filed initial
submissions in response to the Commission's request. See Complainants'
Submission on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding; Respondent
Aster Graphics, Inc.'s Submission on Remedy, the Public Interest and
Bonding; Response of the Office of Unfair Import Investigations to the
Commission's Request for Written Submissions Regarding Remedy, the
Public Interest, and Bonding. On September 29, 2020, the parties filed
reply submissions. See Complainants' Reply Submission on Remedy, the
Public Interest, and Bonding; \1\ Respondent Aster Graphics, Inc.'s
Reply to the Submission of the Office of Unfair Import Investigations
and Complainants on Remedy, the Public Interest and Bonding; Reply of
the Office of Unfair Import Investigations to the Private Parties'
Written Submissions Regarding Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Chair granted Brother's motion for leave to file one day
late. Brother filed on time but inadvertently omitted to include the
certificate of service. Brother corrected the omission the next day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As noted above, the Commission affirmed the ID's finding that there
is a violation of section 337 with respect to Aster and Defaulting
Respondents. The Commission also finds that the statutory requirements
for issuance of a GEO under section 337(d)(2) are met. See 19 U.S.C.
1337(d)(2). The Commission further finds that issuance of CDOs against
Aster and 19 of the defaulting respondents (noted below) is appropriate
under section 337(f)(1). See 19 U.S.C. 1337(f)(1). In addition, the
Commission finds that the public interest factors do not preclude
issuance of the requested relief. See 19 U.S.C. 1337(d)(1), (f)(1).
The Commission therefore has determined that the appropriate remedy
in this investigation is: (1) A GEO prohibiting the unlicensed
importation of certain toner cartridges, components thereof, and
systems containing same that infringe one or more of claims 1-5, 10,
and 12-15 of the '093 patent; claims 1, 7-11, 15, and 16 of the '460
patent; claims 1-7, and 9 of the '856 patent; claims 1, 4, 5, and 9 of
the '456 patent; and claims 1, 3, 5, 7-12, and 18 of the '387 patent;
and (2) CDOs directed to Aster, AMI, Billiontree, Carlos Imaging, Do It
Wiser, Eco Imaging, Ecoolmart, Globest, Greencycle, Hongkong Boze, I8,
Ikong, Intercon, IPrint, LD Products, Mangoket, Smartjet, Solong, Super
Warehouse, and Xiaohui. The Commission has also determined that the
bond during the period of Presidential review shall be in the amount of
the following percentages of the entered value for respondents AMI,
Aster, and Globest:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMI Aster Globest
Infringing products (%) (%) (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accused 221/225 Products....................... 568 1463 900
Accused 223/227 Products....................... 274 336 372
Accused 420/450 Products....................... ...... 623 682
Accused 630/660 Products....................... 575 886 635
Accused 730/760/770 Products................... 589 354 369
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bond for all other infringing articles shall be in the amount
of one hundred percent (100%) of the entered value.
The Commission's orders were delivered to the President and to the
[[Page 76601]]
United States Trade Representative on the day of their issuance. The
investigation is terminated.
While temporary remote operating procedures are in place in
response to COVID-19, the Office of the Secretary is not able to serve
parties that have not retained counsel or otherwise provided a point of
contact for electronic service. Accordingly, pursuant to Commission
Rules 201.16(a) and 210.7(a)(1) (19 CFR 201.16(a), 210.7(a)(1)), the
Commission orders that the Complainant complete service for any party
without a method of electronic service noted on the attached
Certificate of Service and shall file proof of service on the
Electronic Document Information System (EDIS).
The Commission vote for this determination took place on November
23, 2020.
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: November 23, 2020.
William Bishop,
Supervisory Hearings and Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-26277 Filed 11-27-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P