Bose patent complaint triggers USITC investigation
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation into earpiece devices after receiving a patent infringement complaint from audio equipment company Bose.
Launched on Monday, June 25, the investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bose in May 2018.
The ITC will investigate in-ear headphones and accessories that use a “retaining structure to secure the device in a user’s ear”.
Bose alleged that 14 companies, including US-based 1MORE, Sweden-based Sudio and Canada-based Smartomi (all of which make headphones), have infringed six of Bose’s patents by importing and selling earpieces.
According to Bose’s complaint, the patents that have been infringed are “Earpiece positioning and retaining” (US patent numbers 9,036,852; 9,036,853; 9,042,590; 8,311,253; 8,249,287), and “Earpiece passive noise attenuating” (US patent number 9,398,364).
Bose requested that the ITC stop the companies from importing the products. Failing this, it requested a limited exclusion order or cease-and-desist orders.
An ITC administrative judge will decide whether or not the complaint is valid once the investigation is complete.
In June, the ITC launched investigations into arrow rests and components, infotainment systems in automobiles, and methods of storing beer.
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