ITC Institutes Investigation (337-TA-690) Regarding Certain Printing and Imaging Devices

On October 20, 2009, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a press release announcing that it voted to institute an investigation of Certain Printing and Imaging Devices and Components Thereof (Inv. No. 337-TA-690).

According to the Notice of Investigation, the investigation is based on a September 18, 2009 complaint and October 9, 2009 letters supplementing the complaint filed by Ricoh Company, Ltd. of Japan, Ricoh Americas Corporation of West Caldwell, New Jersey, and Ricoh Electronics, Inc. of Tustin, California.  The complaint alleges violation of Section 337 in the importation into the U.S., the sale for importation, and the sale within the U.S. after importation of certain printing and imaging devices, including multifunction printers, and components thereof, including at least image drums and fuser units, which allegedly infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,764,866; 6,388,771; 6,209,048; 6,212,343; and 5,863,690.  See our September 21 post for more details.

Further, according to the Notice of Investigation, the Commission has identified the following  as respondents in this investigation:

• Oki Data Corporation of Japan
• Oki Data Americas, Inc. of Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Additionally, Christopher G. Paulraj of the Office of Unfair Import Investigations is the Investigative Attorney assigned to handle this investigation.

Finally, Chief ALJ Paul J. Luckern issued a notice indicating that ALJ Robert K. Rogers, Jr. will handle this investigation.