Section 337 Investigations at the International Trade Commission

Venable's ITC team has extensive experience managing complex patent cases before the ITC. These cases have involved a full range of complex technologies, including chemical compounds, semiconductor devices, pharmaceuticals, electrical and mechanical devices, and software. These actions have involved diverse issues, ranging from patent infringement to trade secret misappropriation and trade dress infringement.

Parties involved in ITC investigations require counsel who not only are skilled intellectual property attorneys and litigators, but who also have deep experience managing ITC investigations. Venable is one of the most active firms in the United States handling Section 337 investigations.

Section 337 investigations at the ITC proceed quickly and are usually completed within 16 months from the institution of the investigation. Typically the ITC holds a hearing (i.e., trial) about 9 months from the filing of the complaint. Respondents can quickly find themselves at a significant disadvantage unless they swiftly take steps to position themselves for a successful outcome. Thus, preparation of the defense should commence as soon as possible, as the response to the complaint must be filed weeks after the investigation is instituted, and discovery will begin almost immediately.

Discovery in ITC investigations proceeds much faster than in a typical district court action, and the deadlines for responses to motions, responding to discovery requests, and the like are short. Moreover, in comparison to U.S. district court litigation, extensions on deadlines are much less likely to be granted in the ITC, where the Commission closely monitors the administrative law judges to ensure that investigations are concluded by a set target date.

Another substantial difference is that counsel from the ITC's Office of Unfair Import investigation (OUII) may take part in an investigation. The OUII acts as a neutral party representing the public interest in the investigations. The OUII participates in the investigations through its staff attorneys, who file briefs, participate in discovery, offer opening statements, and examine witnesses, much like the private parties. The presence of the OUII in ITC investigations creates a unique dynamic when compared to federal district court litigation.

Industry Focus

  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Consumer products
  • Financial institutions
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Medical devices
  • Microprocessors
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Research institutions
  • Satellites
  • Software
  • Sporting goods
  • Telecommunications

Experience
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  • 337-TA-3586: Represented complainant in an investigation concerning certain monomer-dimer hybrid immunoconjugates
  • 337-TA-1277: Defended a leading smart thermostat manufacturer in multiple patent infringement actions related to load control switches and components
  • 337-TA-1260: Represented complainant in ongoing investigation relating to toner supply containers
  • 337-TA-1259: Represented complainant manufacturer in an investigation concerning toner supply containers
  • 337-TA-1258: Defended a leading smart thermostat manufacturer in multiple patent infringement actions related to certain smart thermostat systems, smart HVAC systems, and smart HVAC control systems
  • 337-TA-1214: Defended manufacturer in investigation concerning height-adjustable desk platforms
  • 337-TA-1187: Represented complainant in patent infringement action involving electronic devices with optical filters and optical sensor systems
  • 337-TA-1185: Defended a leading smart thermostat manufacturer in multiple patent infringement actions related to certain smart HVAC systems
  • 337-TA-1150: Defended a leading telecommunications company in an investigation concerning certain data transmission devices and associated software
  • 337-TA-1106: Represented complainant manufacturer in an investigation concerning toner cartridges
  • 337-TA-1054: Represented complainant in patent infringement action directed to height-adjustable desks
  • 337-TA-1045: Defended device manufacturer in patent infringement action involving document cameras and scanning technology
  • 337-TA-1019: Represented manufacturer in complex patent infringement action concerning Krill Oil formulations
  • 337-TA-1015: Represented manufacturer in asserting unregistered trade dress in an investigation concerning the configuration of Hand Dryer housing
  • 337-TA-995: Represented complainant in an investigation concerning electrical conductor composite cores
  • 337-TA-992: Represented complainant in an ongoing investigation concerning height-adjustable desk platforms
  • 337-TA-973: Defended respondent against patent infringement allegations concerning wearable activity device trackers
  • 337-TA-970: Represented complainant manufacturer in an investigation concerning height-adjustable desk platforms
  • 337-TA-963: Represented complainants in an investigation concerning patents and trade secrets related to activity-tracking devices
  • 337-TA-954: Defended auto maker in high-stakes investigation concerning patents directed variable valve actuation devices seeking to block importation of vehicles into the United States
  • 337-TA-930: Defended multiple respondents in an investigation concerning laser-abraded denim garments
  • 337-TA-929: Defended manufacturer in Enforcement Action concerning beverage brewing capsules, ITC issued final determination of no violation
  • 337-TA-920: Represented a respondent in an investigation concerning integrated circuits

Recognition
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  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers
    • Best Law Firms, Litigation – Intellectual Property (Tier 1), Washington, DC, 2012 – 2020, 2022
    • Best Law Firms, International Arbitration – Commercial, 2016, 2023
    • Best Law Firms, International Arbitration – Governmental, 2016
  • Chambers USA, Intellectual Property: Litigation, Washington, DC, 2016