December 19, 2007
News Release 07-127
Inv. No. 337-TA-622
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain base plugs. The products at issue in this investigation prevent dirt and debris from entering into the anchor receptacle of a baseball base during field maintenance operations.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Anchor Sports I, Inc., of Richardson, TX, on November 19, 2007. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States of certain base plugs that infringe a patent owned by Anchor Sports I. The complainant requests that the ITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

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

Schutt Sports, Inc., of Litchfield, IL; and
East Texas Sports Center, Inc., of Marshall, TX.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-622), 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.