Certain Refrigerator Water Filtration Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Decision Not To Review an Initial Determination Partially Terminating the Investigation as to Certain Respondents Based on Settlement; Request for Written Submissions on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding, 8315-8317 [2023-02635]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 26 / Wednesday, February 8, 2023 / Notices
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–1330]
Certain Audio Players and
Components Thereof (II); Notice of a
Commission Determination Not To
Review an Initial Determination
Amending Complaint and Notice of
Investigation
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission (‘‘Commission’’) has
determined not to review an initial
determination (‘‘ID’’) (Order No. 11) of
the presiding administrative law judge
(‘‘ALJ’’), granting in part Google’s
motion to amend the complaint and
notice of investigation to add to the
investigation claim 19 of U.S. Patent No.
11,024,311 (‘‘the ’311 patent’’), claims 4,
9, and 14 of U.S. Patent No. 9,812,128
(‘‘the ’128 patent’’), and claims 10, 12,
and 18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,050,615
(‘‘the ’615 patent’’).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronald A. Traud, Esq., Office of the
General Counsel, U.S. International
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)
205–3427. 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
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: The
Commission instituted this investigation
on September 15, 2022, based on a
complaint filed on behalf of Google LLC
of Mountain View, California. 87 FR
56701 (Sept. 15, 2022). The complaint
alleged a violation 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 audio players and components
thereof by reason of the infringement of
certain claims of the ’311, ’128, and ’615
patents and U.S. Patent No. 9,632,748.
Id. The complaint further alleged that an
industry in the United States exists as
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required by section 337. Id. The
Commission’s notice of investigation
named as the respondent Sonos, Inc. of
Santa Barbara, California. Id. The Office
of Unfair Import Investigations was not
named as a party in this investigation.
Id.
On December 15, 2022, Google file a
motion seeking leave to amend the
complaint and notice of investigation to
allege infringement of additional patent
claims. In particular, Google sought to
add to the investigation claim 19 of the
’311 patent, claims 4, 9, and 14 of the
’128 patent, and claims 10, 12, 18, and
20 of the ’615 patent.
On January 4, 2023, the ALJ issued
Order No. 11, which includes the
subject ID and which granted the
motion in part. The ID granted Google’s
motion with respect to claim 19 of the
’311 patent, claims 4, 9, and 14 of the
’128 patent, and claims 10, 12, and 18
of the ’615 patent. In a portion of Order
No. 11 that does not include the ID, the
ALJ denied Google’s motion as to claim
20 of the ’615 patent. No petitions for
review of the ID were filed.
The Commission has determined not
to review the subject ID.
The complaint and notice of
investigation are hereby amended to add
the following claims to the
investigation: claim 19 of the ’311
patent, claims 4, 9, and 14 of the ’128
patent, and claims 10, 12, and 18 of the
’615 patent.
The Commission vote for this
determination took place on February 3,
2023.
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: February 3, 2023.
Katherine Hiner,
Acting Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2023–02676 Filed 2–7–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
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8315
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–1290]
Certain Refrigerator Water Filtration
Devices and Components Thereof;
Notice of Commission Decision Not To
Review an Initial Determination
Partially Terminating the Investigation
as to Certain Respondents Based on
Settlement; Request for Written
Submissions on Remedy, the Public
Interest, and Bonding
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined not to
review an initial determination (‘‘ID’’)
(Order No. 47) of the presiding Chief
Administrative Law Judge (‘‘Chief ALJ’’)
terminating the above-captioned
investigation as to respondents Yunda
H&H Tech (Tianjin) Co., LTD. of
Tianjinshi, China; Tianjin Tianchuang
Best Pure Environmental Science And
Technology Co. Ltd. of Tianjin, China;
Top Pure (Usa) Inc. of Pico Rivera,
California; and W&L Trading LLC of
Frisco, Texas (collectively, ‘‘Third
Settling Respondents’’) based on
settlement. The Commission has also
determined to request written
submissions from the parties, interested
government agencies, and interested
persons, under the schedule set forth
below, on remedy, the public interest,
and bonding concerning the defaulting
respondents.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Houda Morad, Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)
708–4716. 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
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
January 21, 2022, 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 LG
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 26 / Wednesday, February 8, 2023 / Notices
Electronics Inc. of Seoul, Republic of
Korea, and LG Electronics Alabama, Inc.
of Huntsville, Alabama (collectively,
‘‘Complainants’’). See 87 FR 3331–33
(Jan. 21, 2022). The complaint, as
supplemented, alleges a violation of
section 337 based upon the importation
into the United States, the sale for
importation, and the sale within the
United States after importation of
certain refrigerator water filtration
devices and components thereof by
reason of infringement of certain claims
of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,653,984;
10,639,570 (‘‘the ’570 patent’’); and
10,188,972 (‘‘the ’972 patent’’). See id.
In addition to the Third Settling
Respondents, the notice of investigation
names the following respondents: (1)
Qingdao Ecopure Filter Co., Ltd of
Qingdao, China; Qingdao Maxwell
Commercial and Trading Company Ltd
of Qingdao Chengyang, China; and
Qingdao Uniwell Trading Co., Ltd. of
Qingdao, China (collectively, ‘‘First
Settling Respondents’’); (2) Express
Parts LLC of Keyport, New Jersey;
Ningbo Haishu Keze Replacement
Equipment Co., Ltd. of Ningboshi,
China; Ningbo Bichun Technology Co.,
Ltd. (formerly Ningbo Haishu Bichun
Technology Co., Ltd.) of Ningbo City,
China; Ningbo Haishu Shun’anjie Water
Purification Equipment LLC of Ningbo,
China; Shenzhen Yu Tian Qi
Technology Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen,
China; and AGA Imports LLC d/b/a
ClearWater Filters of Lakewood, New
Jersey (collectively, ‘‘Second Settling
Respondents’’); (3) Freshlab LLC of
Gainesville, Florida; Isave Strategic
Marketing Group LLC of New York,
New York; GT Sourcing Inc. of Monsey,
New York; and Refresh Filters LLC of
New York, New York (collectively,
‘‘First Defaulting Respondents’’); (4) All
Filters LLC of Salt Lake City, Utah;
Jiangsu Angkua Environmental
Technical Co., Ltd. of Nantong, China
(‘‘Jiangsu’’); and Shenzen Hangling ECommerce Co. Ltd of Elmhurst, Illinois
(collectively, ‘‘Second Defaulting
Respondents’’); (5) JJ Imports LLC of
Elmwood Park, New Jersey (‘‘JJ
Imports’’); (6) Aicuiying of Shenzhen,
China; Liu Qi of Luliang City, China;
Lvliangshilishiquhuiliwujinbaihuoshan
Ghang of Luliang, China; and
Zhenpingxianjiaxuanyazhubaofuzhu
Anggongyipinyouxia of Wuhanshi,
China (collectively, ‘‘Unserved
Respondents’’); (7)
Qinghaishunzexiaofangjianceyouxiang
Ongsi of Xining City, China; and Zhang
Ping of Dongyang, China (collectively,
‘‘Third Defaulting Respondents’’); and
(8) Pursafet Water Filter (Wuhan) Inc. of
Wuhan, China (‘‘Pursafet’’). See id. The
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16:59 Feb 07, 2023
Jkt 259001
Office of Unfair Import Investigations
(‘‘OUII’’) is also a party to the
investigation. See id.
On April 12, 2022, the Commission
terminated the investigation as to JJ
Imports based on the entry of a consent
order. See Order No. 14 (Mar. 30, 2022),
unreviewed by Comm’n Notice (Apr. 12,
2022). On June 28, August 29, and
December 2, 2022, respectively, the
Commission found the First, Second,
and Third Defaulting Respondents in
default for failure to respond to the
complaint, notice of investigation, and
orders to show cause. See Order No. 22
(June 3, 2022), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (June 28, 2022); Order No. 28
(July 28, 2022), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Aug. 29, 2022); Order No. 40
(Nov. 2, 2022), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Dec. 2, 2022). On October 20
and November 8, 2022, respectively, the
Commission terminated the
investigation as to the First and Second
Settling Respondents. See Order No. 37
(Sept. 28, 2022), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Oct. 20, 2022); Order No. 38
(Oct. 7, 2022), unreviewed by Comm’n
Notice (Nov. 8, 2022). On December 2,
2022, the Commission partially
terminated the investigation as to the
Unserved Respondents based on the
withdrawal of the complaint as to those
respondents. See Order No. 39 (Nov. 2,
2022), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Dec. 2, 2022). On December 21, 2022,
the Commission partially terminated the
investigation as to Pursafet for good
cause based on dissolution of the
corporation. See Order No. 43 (Dec. 2,
2022), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Dec. 21, 2022).
On September 16, 2022, the
Commission partially terminated the
investigation as to the ’972 patent in its
entirety. See Order No. 31 (Aug. 16,
2022), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Sept. 16, 2022). On October 3, 2022, the
Commission partially terminated the
investigation as to claims 2–8 of the ’570
patent. See Order No. 35 (Sept. 19,
2022), unreviewed by Comm’n Notice
(Oct. 3, 2022).
On December 22, 2022, Complainants
and the Third Settling Respondents
(collectively, ‘‘the Moving Parties’’) filed
an unopposed corrected joint motion to
partially terminate the investigation as
to the Third Settling Respondents. On
December 23, 2022, OUII filed a
response in support of the motion. No
other response was received.
On January 4, 2023, the Chief ALJ
issued the subject ID (Order No. 47)
granting the joint motion and staying
the procedural schedule as to the Third
Settling Respondents. The ID finds that
the joint motion complies with the
requirements of Commission Rule
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Fmt 4703
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210.21(b), 19 CFR 210.21(b). See ID at
2–3. In particular, the Moving Parties
included public and confidential
versions of the settlement agreement.
See id. In addition, the Moving Parties
represent that ‘‘[t]here are no other
agreements, written or oral, express or
implied, between the [Moving] Parties
concerning the subject matter of this
Investigation.’’ See id. The ID also finds
no evidence that terminating this
investigation on the basis of settlement
would adversely affect the public
interest. See id. at 3. The ID further
finds that good cause exists for limiting
the service of the confidential version of
the settlement agreement to the Moving
Parties and OUII. See id. at 4. Because
no participating respondent remains in
the investigation, the ID also terminates
the investigation in its entirety. See id.
at 7. The ID further notes that
Complainants have withdrawn their
request for a general exclusion order
and denies as moot Complainants’
motion for a recommended
determination as to the defaulting
respondents. See id. No petition for
review of the subject ID was filed.
The Commission has determined not
to review the subject ID.
Furthermore, on January 11, 2023,
Complainants filed a Declaration under
Commission Rule 210.16 (19 CFR
210.16) requesting the immediate entry
of a limited exclusion order against the
defaulting respondents and cease and
desist orders against the defaulting
respondents except Jiangsu.
Complainants also indicated, pursuant
to 19 CFR 210.16(c)(2), that they are not
seeking a general exclusion order. No
response to Complainants’ Declaration
was received.
Commission Rule 210.16(c)(1)
provides that ‘‘[a]fter a respondent has
been found in default by the
Commission, the complainant may file
with the Commission a declaration that
it is seeking immediate entry of relief
against the respondent in default’’ and
‘‘[t]he facts alleged in the complaint will
be presumed to be true with respect to
the defaulting respondent.’’ See 19 CFR
210.16. In addition, ‘‘[t]he Commission
may issue an exclusion order, a cease
and desist order, or both, affecting the
defaulting respondent only after
considering the effect of such order(s)
upon the public health and welfare,
competitive conditions in the U.S.
economy, the production of like or
directly competitive articles in the
United States, and U.S. consumers, and
concluding that the order(s) should still
be issued in light of the aforementioned
public interest factors.’’ See id.
Accordingly, the Commission has
determined to request written
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 26 / Wednesday, February 8, 2023 / Notices
submissions from the parties, interested
government agencies, and interested
persons, under the schedule set forth
below, on remedy, the public interest,
and bonding. More specifically, 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
(Dec. 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 or
disapprove, or take no action on the
Commission’s determination. 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.
Complainants are also requested to
submit proposed remedial orders for the
Commission’s consideration.
Complainants are further requested to
provide the HTSUS numbers under
which the accused products are
imported, and to supply the names of
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16:59 Feb 07, 2023
Jkt 259001
known importers of the products at
issue in this investigation.
Written submissions and proposed
remedial orders must be filed no later
than close of business on February 13,
2023. Reply submissions must be filed
no later than the close of business on
February 20, 2023. No further
submissions on any of 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–1290’’) in a prominent
place on the cover page and/or the first
page. (See Handbook for Electronic
Filing Procedures, https://
www.usitc.gov/documents/handbook_
on_filing_procedures.pdf). Persons with
questions regarding filing should
contact the Secretary (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 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, solely for cybersecurity
purposes. All contract personnel will
sign appropriate nondisclosure
agreements. All non-confidential
written submissions will be available for
public inspection at the Office of the
Secretary and on EDIS.
The Commission’s vote for these
determinations took place on February
2, 2023.
The authority for the Commission’s
determination is contained in section
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8317
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).
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(s) complete
service for any party/parties 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).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: February 2, 2023.
Katherine Hiner,
Acting Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2023–02635 Filed 2–7–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employee Benefits Security
Administration
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Request for Public
Comment
Employee Benefits Security
Administration (EBSA), Department of
Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Department of Labor (the
Department), in accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act, provides the
general public and Federal agencies
with an opportunity to comment on
proposed and continuing collections of
information. This helps the Department
assess the impact of its information
collection requirements and minimize
the public’s reporting burden. It also
helps the public understand the
Department’s information collection
requirements and provide the requested
data in the desired format. The
Employee Benefits Security
Administration (EBSA) is soliciting
comments on the proposed extension of
the information collection requests
(ICRs) contained in the documents
described below. A copy of the ICRs
may be obtained by contacting the office
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
notice. ICRs also are available at
reginfo.gov (https://www.reginfo.gov/
public/do/PRAMain).
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8315-8317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02635]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337-TA-1290]
Certain Refrigerator Water Filtration Devices and Components
Thereof; Notice of Commission Decision Not To Review an Initial
Determination Partially Terminating the Investigation as to Certain
Respondents Based on Settlement; Request for Written Submissions 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 not to review an initial determination
(``ID'') (Order No. 47) of the presiding Chief Administrative Law Judge
(``Chief ALJ'') terminating the above-captioned investigation as to
respondents Yunda H&H Tech (Tianjin) Co., LTD. of Tianjinshi, China;
Tianjin Tianchuang Best Pure Environmental Science And Technology Co.
Ltd. of Tianjin, China; Top Pure (Usa) Inc. of Pico Rivera, California;
and W&L Trading LLC of Frisco, Texas (collectively, ``Third Settling
Respondents'') based on settlement. The Commission has also determined
to request written submissions from the parties, interested government
agencies, and interested persons, under the schedule set forth below,
on remedy, the public interest, and bonding concerning the defaulting
respondents.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Houda Morad, Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 708-4716. 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 January 21, 2022, 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 LG
[[Page 8316]]
Electronics Inc. of Seoul, Republic of Korea, and LG Electronics
Alabama, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama (collectively, ``Complainants'').
See 87 FR 3331-33 (Jan. 21, 2022). The complaint, as supplemented,
alleges a violation of section 337 based upon the importation into the
United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United
States after importation of certain refrigerator water filtration
devices and components thereof by reason of infringement of certain
claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,653,984; 10,639,570 (``the '570
patent''); and 10,188,972 (``the '972 patent''). See id. In addition to
the Third Settling Respondents, the notice of investigation names the
following respondents: (1) Qingdao Ecopure Filter Co., Ltd of Qingdao,
China; Qingdao Maxwell Commercial and Trading Company Ltd of Qingdao
Chengyang, China; and Qingdao Uniwell Trading Co., Ltd. of Qingdao,
China (collectively, ``First Settling Respondents''); (2) Express Parts
LLC of Keyport, New Jersey; Ningbo Haishu Keze Replacement Equipment
Co., Ltd. of Ningboshi, China; Ningbo Bichun Technology Co., Ltd.
(formerly Ningbo Haishu Bichun Technology Co., Ltd.) of Ningbo City,
China; Ningbo Haishu Shun'anjie Water Purification Equipment LLC of
Ningbo, China; Shenzhen Yu Tian Qi Technology Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen,
China; and AGA Imports LLC d/b/a ClearWater Filters of Lakewood, New
Jersey (collectively, ``Second Settling Respondents''); (3) Freshlab
LLC of Gainesville, Florida; Isave Strategic Marketing Group LLC of New
York, New York; GT Sourcing Inc. of Monsey, New York; and Refresh
Filters LLC of New York, New York (collectively, ``First Defaulting
Respondents''); (4) All Filters LLC of Salt Lake City, Utah; Jiangsu
Angkua Environmental Technical Co., Ltd. of Nantong, China
(``Jiangsu''); and Shenzen Hangling E-Commerce Co. Ltd of Elmhurst,
Illinois (collectively, ``Second Defaulting Respondents''); (5) JJ
Imports LLC of Elmwood Park, New Jersey (``JJ Imports''); (6) Aicuiying
of Shenzhen, China; Liu Qi of Luliang City, China;
Lvliangshilishiquhuiliwujinbaihuoshan Ghang of Luliang, China; and
Zhenpingxianjiaxuanyazhubaofuzhu Anggongyipinyouxia of Wuhanshi, China
(collectively, ``Unserved Respondents''); (7)
Qinghaishunzexiaofangjianceyouxiang Ongsi of Xining City, China; and
Zhang Ping of Dongyang, China (collectively, ``Third Defaulting
Respondents''); and (8) Pursafet Water Filter (Wuhan) Inc. of Wuhan,
China (``Pursafet''). See id. The Office of Unfair Import
Investigations (``OUII'') is also a party to the investigation. See id.
On April 12, 2022, the Commission terminated the investigation as
to JJ Imports based on the entry of a consent order. See Order No. 14
(Mar. 30, 2022), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Apr. 12, 2022). On June
28, August 29, and December 2, 2022, respectively, the Commission found
the First, Second, and Third Defaulting Respondents in default for
failure to respond to the complaint, notice of investigation, and
orders to show cause. See Order No. 22 (June 3, 2022), unreviewed by
Comm'n Notice (June 28, 2022); Order No. 28 (July 28, 2022), unreviewed
by Comm'n Notice (Aug. 29, 2022); Order No. 40 (Nov. 2, 2022),
unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Dec. 2, 2022). On October 20 and November
8, 2022, respectively, the Commission terminated the investigation as
to the First and Second Settling Respondents. See Order No. 37 (Sept.
28, 2022), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Oct. 20, 2022); Order No. 38
(Oct. 7, 2022), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Nov. 8, 2022). On December
2, 2022, the Commission partially terminated the investigation as to
the Unserved Respondents based on the withdrawal of the complaint as to
those respondents. See Order No. 39 (Nov. 2, 2022), unreviewed by
Comm'n Notice (Dec. 2, 2022). On December 21, 2022, the Commission
partially terminated the investigation as to Pursafet for good cause
based on dissolution of the corporation. See Order No. 43 (Dec. 2,
2022), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Dec. 21, 2022).
On September 16, 2022, the Commission partially terminated the
investigation as to the '972 patent in its entirety. See Order No. 31
(Aug. 16, 2022), unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Sept. 16, 2022). On
October 3, 2022, the Commission partially terminated the investigation
as to claims 2-8 of the '570 patent. See Order No. 35 (Sept. 19, 2022),
unreviewed by Comm'n Notice (Oct. 3, 2022).
On December 22, 2022, Complainants and the Third Settling
Respondents (collectively, ``the Moving Parties'') filed an unopposed
corrected joint motion to partially terminate the investigation as to
the Third Settling Respondents. On December 23, 2022, OUII filed a
response in support of the motion. No other response was received.
On January 4, 2023, the Chief ALJ issued the subject ID (Order No.
47) granting the joint motion and staying the procedural schedule as to
the Third Settling Respondents. The ID finds that the joint motion
complies with the requirements of Commission Rule 210.21(b), 19 CFR
210.21(b). See ID at 2-3. In particular, the Moving Parties included
public and confidential versions of the settlement agreement. See id.
In addition, the Moving Parties represent that ``[t]here are no other
agreements, written or oral, express or implied, between the [Moving]
Parties concerning the subject matter of this Investigation.'' See id.
The ID also finds no evidence that terminating this investigation on
the basis of settlement would adversely affect the public interest. See
id. at 3. The ID further finds that good cause exists for limiting the
service of the confidential version of the settlement agreement to the
Moving Parties and OUII. See id. at 4. Because no participating
respondent remains in the investigation, the ID also terminates the
investigation in its entirety. See id. at 7. The ID further notes that
Complainants have withdrawn their request for a general exclusion order
and denies as moot Complainants' motion for a recommended determination
as to the defaulting respondents. See id. No petition for review of the
subject ID was filed.
The Commission has determined not to review the subject ID.
Furthermore, on January 11, 2023, Complainants filed a Declaration
under Commission Rule 210.16 (19 CFR 210.16) requesting the immediate
entry of a limited exclusion order against the defaulting respondents
and cease and desist orders against the defaulting respondents except
Jiangsu. Complainants also indicated, pursuant to 19 CFR 210.16(c)(2),
that they are not seeking a general exclusion order. No response to
Complainants' Declaration was received.
Commission Rule 210.16(c)(1) provides that ``[a]fter a respondent
has been found in default by the Commission, the complainant may file
with the Commission a declaration that it is seeking immediate entry of
relief against the respondent in default'' and ``[t]he facts alleged in
the complaint will be presumed to be true with respect to the
defaulting respondent.'' See 19 CFR 210.16. In addition, ``[t]he
Commission may issue an exclusion order, a cease and desist order, or
both, affecting the defaulting respondent only after considering the
effect of such order(s) upon the public health and welfare, competitive
conditions in the U.S. economy, the production of like or directly
competitive articles in the United States, and U.S. consumers, and
concluding that the order(s) should still be issued in light of the
aforementioned public interest factors.'' See id.
Accordingly, the Commission has determined to request written
[[Page 8317]]
submissions from the parties, interested government agencies, and
interested persons, under the schedule set forth below, on remedy, the
public interest, and bonding. More specifically, 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 (Dec. 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
or disapprove, or take no action on the Commission's determination. 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. Complainants are also requested to submit proposed
remedial orders for the Commission's consideration. Complainants are
further requested to provide the HTSUS numbers under which the accused
products are imported, and to supply the names of known importers of
the products at issue in this investigation.
Written submissions and proposed remedial orders must be filed no
later than close of business on February 13, 2023. Reply submissions
must be filed no later than the close of business on February 20, 2023.
No further submissions on any of 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-1290'') in a prominent place on
the cover page and/or the first page. (See Handbook for Electronic
Filing Procedures, https://www.usitc.gov/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf). Persons with questions regarding
filing should contact the Secretary (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 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, solely for cybersecurity
purposes. All contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure
agreements. All non-confidential written submissions will be available
for public inspection at the Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.
The Commission's vote for these determinations took place on
February 2, 2023.
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).
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(s) complete service for any
party/parties 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).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: February 2, 2023.
Katherine Hiner,
Acting Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2023-02635 Filed 2-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P