The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain video graphics display controllers and products containing same. The products at issue in this investigation are integrated circuits incorporated into add-in cards that are then plugged into a computer system to enhance the system's video and graphics processing capability.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Cirrus Logic, Inc., of Fremont, CA, on July 1, 1998. 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 video graphics display controllers and products containing same that infringe a U.S. patent owned by Cirrus. In its complaint, Cirrus requests that the ITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order barring the importation into and sale within the United States of the allegedly infringing products.

The ITC has identified ATI Technologies, Inc., of Ontario, Canada, as the respondent in the investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-412), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The administrative law judge 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 President of the United States within that 60-day period.