July 7, 2006
News Release 06-070
Inv. No. 337-TA-578
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

ITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION ON CERTAIN MOBILE TELEPHONE HANDSETS, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES, AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain mobile telephone handsets, wireless communication devices, and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation include, inter alia, mobile telephone handsets and wireless communication devices, such as mobile e-mail devices, personal digital assistants, smart phones, and smart cards, that are capable of transmitting or receiving voice or data signals over a wireless network.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by QUALCOMM Incorporated, of San Diego, CA, on June 9, 2006. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain mobile telephone handsets, wireless communication devices, and components thereof that infringe patents owned by QUALCOMM. The complainant requests that the ITC issue a permanent exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order.

The ITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Nokia Corporation, of Finland; and
Nokia Inc., of Irving, TX.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-578), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Robert L. Barton, Jr., an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Barton 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 ITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. ITC 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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