Certain Computer Cables, Chargers, Adapters, Peripheral Devices and Packaging Containing the Same; Notice of To Review an Initial Determination Finding All Respondents in Default; Request for Written Submissions on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 156 (Friday, August 12, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Number 156 (Friday, August 12, 2016)
Notices
Pages 53505-53506
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2016-19188
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Investigation No. 337-TA-975
Certain Computer Cables, Chargers, Adapters, Peripheral Devices and Packaging Containing the Same; Notice of To Review an Initial Determination Finding All Respondents in Default; Request for Written Submissions on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined not to review the presiding administrative law judge's (``ALJ'') initial determination (``ID'') (Order No. 7) finding all respondents in default. The Commission requests written submissions, under the schedule set forth below, on remedy, public interest, and bonding.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amanda Pitcher Fisherow, Esq., Office of the General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205-2737. Copies of non-confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation are or will be available for inspection during official business hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server at http://www.usitc.gov. The public record for this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at http://edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission instituted this investigation on December 17, 2015, based on a complaint filed on behalf of Belkin International, Inc. of Playa Vista, California (``Complainant''). 80 Fed. Reg. 78763-64 (December 17, 2015). The complaint alleges violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337, in the sale for importation, importation, or sale within the United States after importation of certain computer cables, chargers, adapters, peripheral devices and packaging containing the same by reason of infringement of one or more of U.S. Trademark Registration No. 2,339,459; U.S. Trademark Registration No. 2,339,460; U.S. Trademark Registration No. 4,168,379; and U.S. Trademark Registration No. 4,538,212. The Commission's notice of investigation named the following respondents: Dongguan Pinte Electronic Co., Ltd., of Dongguan City, China; and Dongguan Shijie Fresh Electronic Products Factory, of Dongguan City, China (collectively ``Respondents''). The Office of Unfair Import Investigations was named as a party.
On June 6, 2016, Complainant moved to find Respondents in default. The Commission investigative attorney filed a response in support of Complainant's motion. On June 21, 2016, the ALJ issued Order No. 6 ordering Respondents to show cause why they should not be found in default for failing to file a response to the complaint and notice of investigation.
On July 12, 2016, the ALJ issued the subject ID finding Respondents in default. See Order No. 7. No petitions for review of the ID were filed.
The Commission has determined not to review the subject ID.
Section 337(g)(1) and Commission Rule 210.16(c) authorize the Commission to order relief against a respondent found in default, unless, after considering the public interest, it finds that such relief should not issue. Complainant seeks a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
In connection with the final disposition of this investigation, the Commission may: (1) Issue an order that could result in the exclusion of articles manufactured or imported by the defaulting respondent; and/
or (2) issue a cease and desist order that could result in the defaulting respondent being required to cease and desist from engaging in unfair acts in the importation and sale of such articles. Accordingly, the Commission is interested in receiving written submissions that address the form of remedy, if any, that should be ordered. If a party seeks exclusion of an article from entry into the United States for purposes other than entry for consumption, the party should so indicate and provide information establishing that activities involving other types of entry either are adversely affecting it or likely to do so. For background, see Certain Devices for
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Connecting Computers via Telephone Lines, Inv. No. 337-TA-360, USITC Pub. No. 2843, Comm'n Op. at 7-10 (December 1994).
If the Commission contemplates some form of remedy, it must consider the effects of that remedy upon the public interest. The factors that the Commission will consider include the effect that the exclusion order and/or cease and desists orders would have on (1) the public health and welfare, (2) competitive conditions in the U.S. economy, (3) U.S. production of articles that are like or directly competitive with those that are subject to investigation, and (4) U.S. consumers. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving written submissions that address the aforementioned public interest factors in the context of this investigation.
If the Commission orders some form of remedy, the U.S. Trade Representative, as delegated by the President, has 60 days to approve or disapprove the Commission's action. See Presidential Memorandum of July 21, 2005, 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005). During this period, the subject articles would be entitled to enter the United States under bond, in an amount determined by the Commission and prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving submissions concerning the amount of the bond that should be imposed if a remedy is ordered.
Written Submissions: Parties to the investigation, interested government agencies, and any other interested parties are encouraged to file written submissions on the issues of remedy, the public interest, and bonding. Complainant is also requested to state the HTSUS numbers under which the accused products are imported. Complainant is further requested to supply the names of known importers of the products at issue in this investigation.
The written submissions and proposed remedial orders must be filed no later than close of business on August 18, 2016. Reply submissions must be filed no later than the close of business on August 25, 2016. No further submissions on these issues will be permitted unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.
Persons filing written submissions must file the original document electronically on or before the deadlines stated above and submit 8 true paper copies to the Office of the Secretary by noon the next day pursuant to section 210.4(f) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 210.4(f)). Submissions should refer to the investigation number (``Inv. No. 337-TA-975'') in a prominent place on the cover page and/or the first page. (See Handbook for Electronic Filing Procedures, http://www.usitc.gov/secretary/fed_reg_notices/rules/handbook_on_electronic_filing.pdf). Persons with questions regarding filing should contact the Secretary (202-205-2000).
Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission in confidence must request confidential treatment. All such requests should be directed to the Secretary to the Commission and must include a full statement of the reasons why the Commission should grant such treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents for which confidential treatment by the Commission is properly sought will be treated accordingly. All information, including confidential business information and documents for which confidential treatment is properly sought, submitted to the Commission for purposes of this Investigation may be disclosed to and used: (i) By the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits, reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. government employees and contract personnel,\1\ solely for cybersecurity purposes. All nonconfidential written submissions will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.
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\1\ All contract personnel will sign appropriate nondisclosure agreements.
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The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in Part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part 210).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: August 8, 2016.
William R. Bishop,
Supervisory Hearings and Information Officer.
FR Doc. 2016-19188 Filed 8-11-16; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P
