U.S. International Trade Commission

04/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/12/2024 10:53

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Smart Wearable Devices, Systems, and Components Thereof

April 12, 2024
News Release 24-033
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1398
Contact: Philip Stone, 202-205-1819

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Smart Wearable Devices, Systems, and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain smart wearable devices, systems, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission's notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Ouraring, Inc. of San Francisco, CA, and Ōura Health Oy of Oulu, Finland, on March 13, 2024; supplemented on March 21, 2024; and amended on March 22, 2024. The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain smart wearable devices, systems, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation :

  • Ultrahuman Healthcare Pvt. Ltd of Bengaluru, India,
  • Ultrahuman Healthcare SP LLC of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,
  • Ultrahuman Healthcare Ltd. of London, United Kingdom,
  • Guangdong Jiu Zhi Technology Co. Ltd. of Zhongshan City, China,
  • RingConn LLC of Wilmington, DE, and
  • Circular SAS of Paris, France.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1398), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. 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.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

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