USITC Opens Investigation Into Apple for Patent Infringement

The United States International Trade Commission has voted to open an investigation into Apple over alleged patent infringement. Products at issue in the investigation are certain Apple Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Apple TVs.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Aqua Connect, Inc., and Strategic Technology Partners, LLC, of Orange, CA, on October 10, 2017. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain personal computers, mobile devices, digital media players, and microconsoles that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a temporary exclusion order and a temporary cease and desist order based on a motion for temporary relief, and that the USITC ultimately issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. The USITC has identified Apple Inc. of Cupertino, CA, as the respondent in this investigation.

The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.


Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.

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