ITC to decide on import ban of compact ‘smart’ wallets
The Ridge Wallet alleges patent and trade dress infringement | Firm makes compact wallets with RFID-blocking technology.
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) will investigate whether or not to ban imports of certain wallets into the country after allegations of patent and trade dress infringement, it was announced on March 9.
The Ridge Wallet, which makes slimline, ‘smart’ wallets, claimed that violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act (1930) have taken place over imports of compact wallets and their components into the US in a complaint filed on February 6.
The California-based firm says that its US patent number 10,791,808 has been infringed, as well as claiming trade dress infringement, “the threat or effect of which is to destroy or substantially injure an industry in the United States”.
It has requested a general exclusion order, permanent limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.
Wallets made by The Ridge have radio frequency identification (RFID)-blocking technology which uses carbon fibre or aluminium to block the electromagnetic signal emitted from chips in bank cards. This prevents thieves from successfully using handheld scanners to commit wireless identity or credit card theft from several feet away.
The wallets have a “minimalist-first” approach and patented design, according to the company.
The respondents in the case are California-based firms Rosemar Enterprise and Mosaic Brands, and Chinese companies INSGG of Hangzhou City, Shenzhen Swztech and ARW of Shenzhen.
Having voted to institute an investigation into the matter, the ITC will assign the case to an administrative law judge who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing to make an initial determination on the section 337 violation.
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