Certain Vacuum Insulated Flasks and Components Thereof; Commission Decision To Review in Part an Initial Determination Granting in Part Complainants' Motion for Summary Determination of a Violation of Section 337; Request for Submissions, 59424-59426 [2021-23359]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 27, 2021 / Notices
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Alma Ripps,
Chief, Office of Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021–23412 Filed 10–26–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312–52–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–1216]
Certain Vacuum Insulated Flasks and
Components Thereof; Commission
Decision To Review in Part an Initial
Determination Granting in Part
Complainants’ Motion for Summary
Determination of a Violation of Section
337; Request for Submissions
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined to review
in part an initial determination (‘‘ID’’)
(Order No. 24) of the presiding Chief
Administrative Law Judge (‘‘CALJ’’)
granting-in-part complainants’ motion
for summary determination of a
violation of section 337. The
Commission also requests written
submissions from the parties, interested
government agencies, and other
interested persons regarding remedy,
bonding, and the public interest, under
the schedule set forth below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Liberman, Esq., Office of the
General Counsel, U.S. International
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)
205–2392. Copies of non-confidential
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SUMMARY:
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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 on (202)
205–1810.
On
September 3, 2020, the Commission
instituted this investigation under
section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (‘‘section
337’’), based on a complaint filed by
Steel Technology LLC d/b/a Hydro
Flask and Helen of Troy Limited
(collectively, ‘‘Complainants,’’ or
‘‘Hydro Flask’’). 85 FR 55030–31 (Sept.
3, 2020). The complaint alleges a
violation of section 337 in the
importation into the United States, the
sale for importation, or the sale within
the United States after importation of
certain vacuum insulated flasks and
components thereof by reason of
infringement of: (1) The sole claims of
U.S. Design Patent Nos. D806,468 (‘‘the
D’468 patent’’); D786,012 (‘‘the D’012
patent’’) and D799,320 (‘‘the D’320
patent’’), respectively; and (2) U.S.
Trademark Registration Nos. 4,055,784
(‘‘the ’784 trademark’’); 5,295,365 (‘‘the
’365 trademark’’); 5,176,888 (‘‘the ’888
trademark’’); and 4,806,282 (‘‘the ’282
trademark’’). The complaint also alleges
the existence of a domestic industry.
The notice of investigation names
numerous respondents: Cangnan Kaiyisi
E-Commerce Technology Co., Ltd.;
Shenzhen Huichengyuan Technology
Co., Ltd.; Sinbada Impex Co., Ltd.;
Yongkang Huiyun Commodity Co., Ltd.;
Wuyi Loncin Bottle Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang
Yuchuan Industry & Trade Co., Ltd.;
Zhejiang Yongkang Unique Industry &
Trade Co., Ltd.; Suzhou Prime Gifts Co.,
Ltd.; Hangzhou Yuehua Technology Co.,
Ltd.; Guangzhou Yawen Technology
Co., Ltd.; Jinhua City Ruizhi ECommerce Co., Ltd.; Wo Ma Te (Tianjin)
International Trade Co., Ltd.; and
Shenzhen City Yaxin General
Machinery Co., Ltd. (collectively, the
‘‘Defaulting Respondents’’); Eddie
Bauer, LLC; PSEB Holdings, LLC;
Dunhuang Group a.k.a. DHgate; Everich
and Tomic Houseware Co., Ltd.;
HydroFlaskPup; Yiwu Honglu Daily
Necessities Co., Ltd.; and Yiwu Houju Ecommerce Firm. The Commission’s
Office of Unfair Import Investigations
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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(‘‘OUII’’) is also named as a party in this
investigation. Id.
Subsequently, the Commission
permitted Hydro Flask to amend the
complaint and notice of investigation to:
(1) Assert the ’012 patent against
additional infringing products; (2)
incorporate into the complaint the
information and additional paragraphs
included in Complainants’
Supplemental Letter to the Commission
of August 18, 2020; and (3) correct the
corporate names of four non-appearing
respondents—Yiwu Houju E-Commerce
Firm; Jinhua City Ruizhi E-Commerce
Co., Ltd.; Wo Ma Te (Tianjin)
International Trade Co., Ltd.; and
Shenzhen City Yaxin General
Machinery Co., Ltd. Mot. at 1. Order No.
12 (Nov. 6, 2020), unreviewed by Notice
(Nov. 24, 2020); see 85 FR 77239–40
(Dec. 1, 2020). The Commission also
terminated the investigation as to
certain other respondents based on a
consent order and settlement agreement,
or a settlement agreement, or a consent
order stipulation and consent order:
Eddie Bauer LLC and PSEB Holdings,
LLC; DHgate; Everich and Tomic
Houseware Co., Ltd. Order No. 13 (Nov.
30, 2020), unreviewed by Notice (Dec.
21, 2020); Order No. 17 (Jan. 27, 2021),
unreviewed by Notice (Feb. 16, 2021);
Order No. 19 (Feb. 19, 2021),
unreviewed by Notice (Mar. 12, 2021).
The Commission likewise terminated
the investigation with respect to the
’282 trademark. Order No. 16 (Jan. 11,
2021), unreviewed by Notice (Feb. 8,
2021).
On April 14, 2021, the Commission
further found the Defaulting
Respondents in default Order No. 21
(Mar. 22, 2021), unreviewed by Notice
(Apr. 14, 2021). The Commission also
permitted Hydro Flask to withdraw the
amended complaint as to
HydroFlaskPup, Yiwu Honglu Daily
Necessities Co., Ltd., and Yiwu Houju Ecommerce Firm. Order No. 22 (Apr. 7,
2021), unreviewed by Notice (Apr. 22,
2021).
On April 8, 2021, Hydro Flask filed a
motion for summary determination of a
violation of section 337 pursuant to
Commission Rule 210.16(c)(2) (19 CFR
210.16(c)(2)) to support its request for
entry of a GEO with respect to all
asserted patents and trademarks. OUII
filed a response in support of the
motion on August 9, 2021.
On September 3, 2021, the CALJ
issued the subject ID granting in part
Hydro Flask’s motion for summary
determination. The ID finds that Hydro
Flask has shown by reliable, probative,
and substantial evidence that a violation
of section 337 has occurred with respect
to the ’784, ’365, and ’888 trademarks,
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and the D’468, D’012, and D’320
patents, and that the domestic industry
requirement is satisfied for the Asserted
Trademarks and Patents. The ID finds
that a violation has been established
with respect to ten out of thirteen
defaulting respondents: Cangnan Kaiyisi
E-Commerce Technology Co., Ltd.;
Yongkang Huiyun Commodity Co., Ltd.;
Wuyi Loncin Bottle Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang
Yongkang Unique Industry & Trade Co.,
Ltd.; Suzhou Prime Gifts Co., Ltd.;
Hangzhou Yuehua Technology Co., Ltd.;
Guangzhou Yawen Technology Co.,
Ltd.; Jinhua City Ruizhi E-Commerce
Co., Ltd.; Wo Ma Te (Tianjin)
International Trade Co., Ltd.; and
Shenzhen City Yaxin General
Machinery Co., Ltd.
The ID also finds that no violation has
been established as to respondents
Shenzhen Huichengyuan Technology
Co., Ltd.; Sinbada Impex Co., Ltd.; and
Zhejiang Yuchuan Industry & Trade Co.,
Ltd.
The ID contains the CALJ’s
recommended determination on remedy
and bonding (‘‘RD’’). The RD
recommends issuance of a general
exclusion order (‘‘GEO’’) with respect to
the asserted patents and trademarks.
The RD does not recommend issuance
of any cease and desist orders (‘‘CDOs’’).
No petitions for review were filed.
Having examined the record of this
investigation, the Commission has
determined to review in part the subject
ID. Specifically, the Commission has
determined to review the ID’s finding
that Hydro Flask has satisfied the
economic prong of the domestic
industry requirement under Section
337(a)(3)(A). See ID at 89–92. On
review, the Commission affirms the ID’s
findings that Hydro Flask has
established a domestic industry under
Section 337(a)(3)(A). Given the nature
and extent of Hydro Flask’s investments
in plant and equipment as a whole,
Hydro Flask is not a mere importer. As
the ID correctly found, Hydro Flask
conducts engineering, product
development and design, quality
assurance, customer support, research
and development, product assembly and
customization, and distribution in the
United States and Hydro Flask’s plant
and equipment investments in these
activities directed to the DI products are
quantitatively and qualitatively
significant. See ID at 89–92. The
Commission notes that the nature and
extent of Hydro Flask’s investments
distinguish this case from those in
which complainants sought to establish
a domestic industry almost entirely
based on investments in sales,
marketing, and/or distribution. As the
Commission has previously stated,
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‘‘ ‘[w]hile marketing and sales activity,
alone, may not be sufficient to meet the
domestic industry test, those activities
may be considered as part of the overall
evaluation of whether or not a
Complainant meets the economic
prong.’ ’’ Certain Solid State Storage
Drives, Stacked Electronics
Components, and Products Containing
the Same, Inv. No. 337–TA–1097,
Commission Op. at 22 (June 29, 2018)
(quoting Certain Printing and Imaging
Devices and Components Thereof, Inv.
No. 337–TA–690, Order No. 24 at 34
(Apr. 21, 2010) (denying summary
determination on the economic prong of
the domestic industry requirement).
Chair Kearns notes that some of the
claimed investments in plant and
equipment appear to be for activities
that would be carried out by a mere
importer, such as distribution and
customer support, and that the record
does not allow a breakout of
investments for such activities. In
affirming the ALJ’s grant of summary
determination here, he finds that given
the apparent amount of domestic
investments for activities such as
engineering, product development,
research and development, and
manufacturing, and the qualitative
importance of these activities to this
industry, it is unlikely that discounting
the investments that are those of a mere
importer would cause him to question
the existence of a domestic industry.
In connection with the final
disposition of this investigation, the
Commission may issue an order that
could result in the exclusion of the
subject articles from entry into the
United States. Accordingly, the
Commission is interested in receiving
written submissions that address the
form of remedy, if any, that should be
ordered. If a party seeks exclusion of an
article from entry into the United States
for purposes other than entry for
consumption, the party should so
indicate and provide information
establishing that activities involving
other types of entry either are adversely
affecting it or likely to do so. For
background, see Certain Devices for
Connecting Computers via Telephone
Lines, Inv. No. 337–TA–360, USITC
Pub. No. 2843, Comm’n Op. at 7–10
(December 1994).
If the Commission contemplates some
form of remedy, it must consider the
effects of that remedy upon the public
interest. The factors the Commission
will consider include the effect that an
exclusion order and/or cease and desist
orders would have on (1) the public
health and welfare, (2) competitive
conditions in the U.S. economy, (3) U.S.
production of articles that are like or
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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,
disapprove, or take no action on 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: 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.
In their initial submissions,
Complainants are requested to identify
the remedy sought and Complainants
Hydro Flask and OUII are requested to
submit proposed remedial orders for the
Commission’s consideration. Hydro
Flask is also requested to state the dates
on which the asserted patents expire, to
provide the HTSUS subheadings under
which the accused products are
imported, and to supply the names of all
known importers of the products at
issue in this investigation. The initial
written submissions and proposed
remedial orders must be filed no later
than close of business on November 4,
2021. Reply submissions must be filed
no later than the close of business on
November 11, 2021. 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. The Commission’s paper
filing requirements in 19 CFR 210.4(f)
are currently waived. 85 FR 15798
(March 19, 2020). Submissions should
refer to the investigation number (‘‘Inv.
No. 337–TA–1216’’) 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/
handbookonfilingprocedures.pdf).
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 27, 2021 / Notices
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
treatment by marking each document
with a header indicating that the
document contains confidential
information. This marking will be
deemed to satisfy the request procedure
set forth in Rules 201.6(b) and
210.5(e)(2) (19 CFR 201.6(b) &
210.5(e)(2)). Documents for which
confidential treatment by the
Commission is sought will be treated
accordingly. A redacted nonconfidential version of the document
must also be filed simultaneously with
any confidential filing. 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
personnel1, solely for cybersecurity
purposes. All non-confidential written
submissions will be available for public
inspection at the Office of the Secretary
and on EDIS.
The authority for the Commission’s
determination is contained in section
337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337, and in part
210 of the Commission’s Rules of
Practice and Procedure, 19 CFR part
210.
By order of the Commission.
Issued: October 21, 2021.
Lisa Barton,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2021–23359 Filed 10–26–21; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives
[OMB Number 1140–0062]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Proposed eCollection of
eComments Requested; Extension
Without Change of a Currently
Approved Collection; Identification of
Imported Explosives Materials
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, Department of
Justice.
ACTION: 30-Day notice.
AGENCY:
The Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF), Department of Justice (DOJ) will
submit the following information
collection request to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and approval in accordance with
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: Comments are encouraged and
will be accepted for an additional 30
days until November 26, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Written
comments and suggestions from the
public and affected agencies concerning
the proposed collection of information
are encouraged. Your comments should
address one or more of the following
four points:
—Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
—Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s
estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
—Evaluate whether and, if so, how the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected can be
enhanced; and
—Minimize the burden of the collection
of information on those who are to
respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms
of information technology, e.g.,
SUMMARY:
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permitting electronic submission of
responses.
Overview of This Information
Collection
(1) Type of Information Collection:
Extension without change of a currently
approved collection.
(2) The Title of the Form/Collection:
Identification of Imported Explosives
Materials.
(3) The agency form number, if any,
and the applicable component of the
Department sponsoring the collection:
Form number: None.
Component: Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S.
Department of Justice.
(4) Affected public who will be asked
or required to respond, as well as a brief
abstract:
Primary: Business or other for-profit.
Other: None.
Abstract: This information collection
ensures that explosive materials can be
effectively traced by requiring all
licensed importers to identify by
marking all explosive materials they
import for sale or distribution.
(5) An estimate of the total number of
respondents and the amount of time
estimated for an average respondent to
respond: An estimated 17 respondents
will take approximately one hour to
respond three times per year to this
collection.
(6) An estimate of the total public
burden (in hours) associated with the
collection: The estimated annual public
burden associated with this collection is
51 hours, which is equal to 17 (total
respondents) * 3 (total # of responses
annually) * 1 hour (total time to prepare
each response).
If additional information is required
contact: Melody Braswell, Department
Clearance Officer, United States
Department of Justice, Justice
Management Division, Policy and
Planning Staff, Two Constitution
Square, 145 N Street NE, Mail Stop
3E.405A, Washington, DC 20530.
Dated: October 21, 2021.
Melody Braswell,
Department Clearance Officer for PRA, U.S.
Department of Justice.
[FR Doc. 2021–23354 Filed 10–26–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410–FY–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 27, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59424-59426]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23359]
=======================================================================
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337-TA-1216]
Certain Vacuum Insulated Flasks and Components Thereof;
Commission Decision To Review in Part an Initial Determination Granting
in Part Complainants' Motion for Summary Determination of a Violation
of Section 337; Request for Submissions
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 an initial determination
(``ID'') (Order No. 24) of the presiding Chief Administrative Law Judge
(``CALJ'') granting-in-part complainants' motion for summary
determination of a violation of section 337. The Commission also
requests written submissions from the parties, interested government
agencies, and other interested persons regarding remedy, bonding, and
the public interest, under the schedule set forth below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Liberman, Esq., Office of the
General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205-2392. 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
on (202) 205-1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 3, 2020, the Commission
instituted this investigation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of
1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (``section 337''), based on a
complaint filed by Steel Technology LLC d/b/a Hydro Flask and Helen of
Troy Limited (collectively, ``Complainants,'' or ``Hydro Flask''). 85
FR 55030-31 (Sept. 3, 2020). The complaint alleges a violation of
section 337 in the importation into the United States, the sale for
importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of
certain vacuum insulated flasks and components thereof by reason of
infringement of: (1) The sole claims of U.S. Design Patent Nos.
D806,468 (``the D'468 patent''); D786,012 (``the D'012 patent'') and
D799,320 (``the D'320 patent''), respectively; and (2) U.S. Trademark
Registration Nos. 4,055,784 (``the '784 trademark''); 5,295,365 (``the
'365 trademark''); 5,176,888 (``the '888 trademark''); and 4,806,282
(``the '282 trademark''). The complaint also alleges the existence of a
domestic industry. The notice of investigation names numerous
respondents: Cangnan Kaiyisi E-Commerce Technology Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen
Huichengyuan Technology Co., Ltd.; Sinbada Impex Co., Ltd.; Yongkang
Huiyun Commodity Co., Ltd.; Wuyi Loncin Bottle Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang
Yuchuan Industry & Trade Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang Yongkang Unique Industry &
Trade Co., Ltd.; Suzhou Prime Gifts Co., Ltd.; Hangzhou Yuehua
Technology Co., Ltd.; Guangzhou Yawen Technology Co., Ltd.; Jinhua City
Ruizhi E-Commerce Co., Ltd.; Wo Ma Te (Tianjin) International Trade
Co., Ltd.; and Shenzhen City Yaxin General Machinery Co., Ltd.
(collectively, the ``Defaulting Respondents''); Eddie Bauer, LLC; PSEB
Holdings, LLC; Dunhuang Group a.k.a. DHgate; Everich and Tomic
Houseware Co., Ltd.; HydroFlaskPup; Yiwu Honglu Daily Necessities Co.,
Ltd.; and Yiwu Houju E-commerce Firm. The Commission's Office of Unfair
Import Investigations (``OUII'') is also named as a party in this
investigation. Id.
Subsequently, the Commission permitted Hydro Flask to amend the
complaint and notice of investigation to: (1) Assert the '012 patent
against additional infringing products; (2) incorporate into the
complaint the information and additional paragraphs included in
Complainants' Supplemental Letter to the Commission of August 18, 2020;
and (3) correct the corporate names of four non-appearing respondents--
Yiwu Houju E-Commerce Firm; Jinhua City Ruizhi E-Commerce Co., Ltd.; Wo
Ma Te (Tianjin) International Trade Co., Ltd.; and Shenzhen City Yaxin
General Machinery Co., Ltd. Mot. at 1. Order No. 12 (Nov. 6, 2020),
unreviewed by Notice (Nov. 24, 2020); see 85 FR 77239-40 (Dec. 1,
2020). The Commission also terminated the investigation as to certain
other respondents based on a consent order and settlement agreement, or
a settlement agreement, or a consent order stipulation and consent
order: Eddie Bauer LLC and PSEB Holdings, LLC; DHgate; Everich and
Tomic Houseware Co., Ltd. Order No. 13 (Nov. 30, 2020), unreviewed by
Notice (Dec. 21, 2020); Order No. 17 (Jan. 27, 2021), unreviewed by
Notice (Feb. 16, 2021); Order No. 19 (Feb. 19, 2021), unreviewed by
Notice (Mar. 12, 2021). The Commission likewise terminated the
investigation with respect to the '282 trademark. Order No. 16 (Jan.
11, 2021), unreviewed by Notice (Feb. 8, 2021).
On April 14, 2021, the Commission further found the Defaulting
Respondents in default Order No. 21 (Mar. 22, 2021), unreviewed by
Notice (Apr. 14, 2021). The Commission also permitted Hydro Flask to
withdraw the amended complaint as to HydroFlaskPup, Yiwu Honglu Daily
Necessities Co., Ltd., and Yiwu Houju E-commerce Firm. Order No. 22
(Apr. 7, 2021), unreviewed by Notice (Apr. 22, 2021).
On April 8, 2021, Hydro Flask filed a motion for summary
determination of a violation of section 337 pursuant to Commission Rule
210.16(c)(2) (19 CFR 210.16(c)(2)) to support its request for entry of
a GEO with respect to all asserted patents and trademarks. OUII filed a
response in support of the motion on August 9, 2021.
On September 3, 2021, the CALJ issued the subject ID granting in
part Hydro Flask's motion for summary determination. The ID finds that
Hydro Flask has shown by reliable, probative, and substantial evidence
that a violation of section 337 has occurred with respect to the '784,
'365, and '888 trademarks,
[[Page 59425]]
and the D'468, D'012, and D'320 patents, and that the domestic industry
requirement is satisfied for the Asserted Trademarks and Patents. The
ID finds that a violation has been established with respect to ten out
of thirteen defaulting respondents: Cangnan Kaiyisi E-Commerce
Technology Co., Ltd.; Yongkang Huiyun Commodity Co., Ltd.; Wuyi Loncin
Bottle Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang Yongkang Unique Industry & Trade Co., Ltd.;
Suzhou Prime Gifts Co., Ltd.; Hangzhou Yuehua Technology Co., Ltd.;
Guangzhou Yawen Technology Co., Ltd.; Jinhua City Ruizhi E-Commerce
Co., Ltd.; Wo Ma Te (Tianjin) International Trade Co., Ltd.; and
Shenzhen City Yaxin General Machinery Co., Ltd.
The ID also finds that no violation has been established as to
respondents Shenzhen Huichengyuan Technology Co., Ltd.; Sinbada Impex
Co., Ltd.; and Zhejiang Yuchuan Industry & Trade Co., Ltd.
The ID contains the CALJ's recommended determination on remedy and
bonding (``RD''). The RD recommends issuance of a general exclusion
order (``GEO'') with respect to the asserted patents and trademarks.
The RD does not recommend issuance of any cease and desist orders
(``CDOs''). No petitions for review were filed.
Having examined the record of this investigation, the Commission
has determined to review in part the subject ID. Specifically, the
Commission has determined to review the ID's finding that Hydro Flask
has satisfied the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement
under Section 337(a)(3)(A). See ID at 89-92. On review, the Commission
affirms the ID's findings that Hydro Flask has established a domestic
industry under Section 337(a)(3)(A). Given the nature and extent of
Hydro Flask's investments in plant and equipment as a whole, Hydro
Flask is not a mere importer. As the ID correctly found, Hydro Flask
conducts engineering, product development and design, quality
assurance, customer support, research and development, product assembly
and customization, and distribution in the United States and Hydro
Flask's plant and equipment investments in these activities directed to
the DI products are quantitatively and qualitatively significant. See
ID at 89-92. The Commission notes that the nature and extent of Hydro
Flask's investments distinguish this case from those in which
complainants sought to establish a domestic industry almost entirely
based on investments in sales, marketing, and/or distribution. As the
Commission has previously stated, `` `[w]hile marketing and sales
activity, alone, may not be sufficient to meet the domestic industry
test, those activities may be considered as part of the overall
evaluation of whether or not a Complainant meets the economic prong.'
'' Certain Solid State Storage Drives, Stacked Electronics Components,
and Products Containing the Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-1097, Commission Op.
at 22 (June 29, 2018) (quoting Certain Printing and Imaging Devices and
Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-690, Order No. 24 at 34 (Apr. 21,
2010) (denying summary determination on the economic prong of the
domestic industry requirement). Chair Kearns notes that some of the
claimed investments in plant and equipment appear to be for activities
that would be carried out by a mere importer, such as distribution and
customer support, and that the record does not allow a breakout of
investments for such activities. In affirming the ALJ's grant of
summary determination here, he finds that given the apparent amount of
domestic investments for activities such as engineering, product
development, research and development, and manufacturing, and the
qualitative importance of these activities to this industry, it is
unlikely that discounting the investments that are those of a mere
importer would cause him to question the existence of a domestic
industry.
In connection with the final disposition of this investigation, the
Commission may issue an order that could result in the exclusion of the
subject articles from entry into the United States. Accordingly, the
Commission is interested in receiving written submissions that address
the form of remedy, if any, that should be ordered. If a party seeks
exclusion of an article from entry into the United States for purposes
other than entry for consumption, the party should so indicate and
provide information establishing that activities involving other types
of entry either are adversely affecting it or likely to do so. For
background, see Certain Devices for Connecting Computers via Telephone
Lines, Inv. No. 337-TA-360, USITC Pub. No. 2843, Comm'n Op. at 7-10
(December 1994).
If the Commission contemplates some form of remedy, it must
consider the effects of that remedy upon the public interest. The
factors the Commission will consider include the effect that an
exclusion order and/or cease and desist orders would have on (1) the
public health and welfare, (2) competitive conditions in the U.S.
economy, (3) U.S. production of articles that are like or directly
competitive with those that are subject to investigation, and (4) U.S.
consumers/The Commission is therefore interested in receiving written
submissions that address the aforementioned public interest factors in
the context of this investigation.
If the Commission orders some form of remedy, the U.S. Trade
Representative, as delegated by the President, has 60 days to approve,
disapprove, or take no action on 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: 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.
In their initial submissions, Complainants are requested to
identify the remedy sought and Complainants Hydro Flask and OUII are
requested to submit proposed remedial orders for the Commission's
consideration. Hydro Flask is also requested to state the dates on
which the asserted patents expire, to provide the HTSUS subheadings
under which the accused products are imported, and to supply the names
of all known importers of the products at issue in this investigation.
The initial written submissions and proposed remedial orders must be
filed no later than close of business on November 4, 2021. Reply
submissions must be filed no later than the close of business on
November 11, 2021. 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. The
Commission's paper filing requirements in 19 CFR 210.4(f) are currently
waived. 85 FR 15798 (March 19, 2020). Submissions should refer to the
investigation number (``Inv. No. 337-TA-1216'') 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/handbookonfilingprocedures.pdf).
[[Page 59426]]
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 treatment by marking each document
with a header indicating that the document contains confidential
information. This marking will be deemed to satisfy the request
procedure set forth in Rules 201.6(b) and 210.5(e)(2) (19 CFR 201.6(b)
& 210.5(e)(2)). Documents for which confidential treatment by the
Commission is sought will be treated accordingly. A redacted non-
confidential version of the document must also be filed simultaneously
with any confidential filing. 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 personnel1, solely for cybersecurity purposes. All non-
confidential written submissions will be available for public
inspection at the Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.
The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in
section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337, and
in part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, 19 CFR
part 210.
By order of the Commission.
Issued: October 21, 2021.
Lisa Barton,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2021-23359 Filed 10-26-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P