On January 21, 2021, the ITC issued a Notice of Investigation in Certain Electrical Connectors and Cages, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same (Inv. No. 337-TA-1241).
By way of background, this investigation is based on a December 18, 2020 complaint (see Part I and Part II) filed by Amphenol Corp. of Wallingford, Connecticut ("Amphenol") alleging a violation of Section 337 by Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd. of China and related entities ("Respondents") in the unlawful importation and sale in the U.S. of certain electrical connectors and cages, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe one or more claims of Amphenol's U.S. Patent Nos. 7,371,117; 8,371,875; 8,864,521; 9,705,255; and 10,381,767. According to the complaint, the asserted patents generally relate to electrical connectors for use in electrical interconnection systems, including HSBP connectors and HSIO connectors that support high data rates. Amphenol is requesting that the Commission issue a permanent limited exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order directed to Respondents. According to the Notice of Investigation, the Office of Unfair Import Investigations will not participate as a party in the investigation. Lastly, Chief ALJ Charles E. Bullock issued a notice indicating that ALJ Clark S. Cheney will preside in the investigation.
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