ITC to investigate Samsung and Sony over patent claims

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has said it will launch an investigation into smartphone makers including Sony, Samsung, ZTE and LG over alleged patent infringement.

In a statement on its website, the ITC said its investigation would centre on “portable electronic devices with the capability of playing stored media files”.

Lenovo, Motorola, HTC and BlackBerry will also be targeted in the investigation.

The section 337 investigation is based on a complaint filed by Singapore-based Creative Technology and Creative Labs, based in Milpitas, California, in March.

Both complainants have asked the ITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

“By instituting this investigation the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The ITC’s chief administrative law judge will assign the case to one of the ITC’s administrative law judges (ALJs), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing,” the ITC said in a statement on its website.

The ALJ will make an initial determination about whether there is a section 337 violation.

Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for its completion.

Orders in section 337 cases become final after 60 days unless overturned by the US Trade Representative within that period.