The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Celanese International Corporation of Dallas, TX, on January 28, 2008. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States of certain acetic acid made by a process that infringes a patent owned by Celanese. The complainant requests that the ITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

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

Jiangsu Sopo Corporation (Group) Ltd.
also known as Jiangsu Sopo (Group) Corp.
also known as Jiangsu Sopo (Group) Co. Ltd. of China; and

Jiangsu Sopo Group Shanghai Limited Company of China.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-633), 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.