The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain semiconductor timing signal generator devices, components thereof, and products containing same. The products at issue in this investigation provide timing, or clock, signals that sequence and synchronize the operations of circuits and components of computer systems and subsystems, such as video and sound cards.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc. (ICS), of Valley Forge, PA, on November 5, 2001, and supplemented on November 14 and 26, 2001. 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 semiconductor timing signal generator devices, components thereof, and products containing same that infringe patents owned by ICS. The complainant requests that the ITC issue a permanent exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order.

The ITC has identified Cypress Semiconductor Corp. of San Jose, CA, as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-465), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Paul J. Luckern, an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Luckern 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.