The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain lighters.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Zippo Manufacturing Co. (ZMC) of Bradford, PA, and ZippMark, Inc., of Wilmington, DE, on May 16, 2006. A supplement to the complaint was filed on June 5, 2006. The complaint, as supplemented, 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 lighters that infringe a registered U.S. trademark owned by ZippMark and licensed to ZMC. The complainants request that the ITC issue a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

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

Tung Fong International Promotion Co, Ltd., of Hong Kong;
Wenzhou Star Smoking Set Co., Ltd., of China;
Taizhou Rongshi Lighter Development Co., of China;
Wenzhou Tailier Smoking Set Co., Ltd., of China;
beWild.com of Bellmore, New York;
Kalan LP (dba Kalan Trendsetting Gifts & Novelties) of Lansdowne, PA; and
Vista Wholesale of Greencastle, IN.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-575), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Charles E. Bullock, an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Bullock 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.