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U.S. opens patent probe into noise-canceling headphones

Published on 09/01 2014  Source: XinHua

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) said Wednesday it has voted to initiate a patent investigation of certain noise canceling headphones and components thereof from four companies based in the United States, Ireland and China.

"The products at issue in this investigation are headphones for personal use with active noise-canceling capabilities that are used to reduce unwanted ambient noise," the bipartisan trade panel said in a statement.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bose Corporation, based in MA, on July 25, alleging that those four companies had infringed upon its patents related to above products and violated the Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, the panel said.

Bose requested that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against those products, it said.

The investigation does not mean the panel has made any decision on the merits of the case. Within 45 days, the panel will set a target date for completing the investigation. Should the complaint be approved, the panel will issue an import ban on infringing products and bar the sale of products within the United States.

Section 337 investigations focus on allegations of patent or registered trademark infringement, and also involve misappropriation of aspects such as trade secrets, false advertising, and violation of the antitrust laws.

As it is quicker, cheaper and more practical to win the patent cases in the USITC than in U.S. courts, American companies increasingly tap the USITC's authority on patent cases to tamp down their competitors.