USITC round-up: Lenovo under the spotlight
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) is investigating Chinese electronics manufacturer Lenovo off the back of a patent infringement complaint from Nokia.
The trade body has also announced a probe into The Chamberlain Group, which oversees brands including the LiftMaster and Craftsman garage door systems, and is investigating a complaint by drinks bottle maker Hydro Flask.
Nokia finalised its complaint last month, accusing Lenovo of importing devices, such as tablets and computers, which infringe the Finnish telecoms company’s IP.
A Nokia spokesperson told WIPR: “Despite our significant efforts to agree fair royalty payments, Lenovo continues to use Nokia invented technologies without compensation.”
They continued: “Though we would have preferred a resolution through negotiation rather than legal proceedings, we had no option but to take action to protect our rights. We remain open for constructive dialogue with Lenovo over outstanding issues to reach a timely settlement on an amicable basis.”
A Lenovo spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by WIPR.
Elsewhere, The Chamberlain Group is facing patent infringement claims from Tennessee-based Overhead Door Corporation.
The dispute concerns “movable barrier operator systems”, such as those used in garage doors.
The Chamberlain Group asked the ITC to issue an expedited ruling on the eligibility of six Overhead Door patents, but the trade body declined to do so as the issue is “too complex” to resolve within 100 days.
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask, which makes insulated steel water bottles, has also filed a complaint at the ITC, looking to crack down on alleged counterfeits from China.
“The proliferation of counterfeit goods in the market has exploded over the last few years for nearly all brands, including Hydro Flask,” said CEO Larry Witt.
He added: “Hydro Flask’s ITC filing represents an important step of our proactive brand protection strategy. The message is clear: we aim to stop the rampant and egregious violation of our IP at every level.”
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