September 18, 2007
News Release 07-095 CORRECTED
(Note corrected respondent list)
Inv. No. 337-TA-615
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain ground fault circuit interrupters and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are devices in electrical receptacles for commercial and residential construction designed to prevent electrocution.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Pass & Seymour, Inc., of Syracuse, NY, on August 16, 2007. Letters supplementing the complaint were filed on September 4, 5, and 6, 2007. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States of certain ground fault circuit interrupters and products containing the same that infringe patents owned by Pass & Seymour. The complainant requests that the ITC issue a permanent exclusion order and permanent cease and desist orders.

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

General Protecht Group, Inc., of China;
General Protecht Group U.S., Inc., of Atlanta, GA;
Shanghai ELE Manufacturing Corporation of China;
Shanghai Meihao Electric, Inc., of China;
Wenzhou Trimone Company of China;
Cheetah USA Corp. of Sandy, UT;
GX Electric of Pompano Beach, FL;
Nicor, Inc., o f Albuquerque, NM;
Orbit Industries, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA;
The Designer's Edge of Bellevue, WA;
Universal Security Instruments, Inc., of Owings Mills, MD;
Colacino Electric Supply, Inc., of Newark, NY;
Ingram Products, Inc., of Jacksonville, FL;
Lunar Industrial & Electrical, Inc., of Miami, FL; and
Quality Distributing LLC of Hillsboro, OR.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-615), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Carl C. Charneski, an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Charneski 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.