The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain pool
cues with self-aligning joint assemblies and components thereof.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by J. Pechauer Custom Cues Incorporated of Green Bay, WI, on February 28, 2005, alleging 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 pool cues with self-aligning joint assemblies and components thereof that infringe a patent owned by Pechauer. The complainant requests that the ITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and permanent cease and desist orders.
The ITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Kaokao Industrial Co. LTD. of Taiwan;
CueStix International of Lafayette, CO;
Sterling Gaming of Matthews, NC;
CueSight of Matthews, NC;
Imperial International of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ;
Sigel's Unlimited Cues & Accessories of Winter Garden, FL;
Nick Varner Cues and Cases of Owensboro, KY;
J-S Sales Co. Inc. of Elmsford, NY; and
GLD Products of Muskego, WI.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-536), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Sidney Harris, an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Harris 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.