ITC Begins Section 337 Investigation on Laser Abraded Denim Garments

The International Trade Commission voted on Sept. 17 to begin a Section 337 investigation into patent infringement by imports of laser abraded denim garment. Adrian RevoLaze and TechnoLines requested the investigation on Aug. 18. Apparel trade groups recently voiced concerns with possibility of general exclusion orders (see 14090319). RevoLaze and TechnoLines are asking the ITC to issue a general exclusion order, or a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders banning the importation and sale of infringing denim garments by the following respondents:

• Abercrombie & Fitch Co. of New Albany, OH;
• American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., of Pittsburgh, PA;
• BBC Apparel Group, LLC, of New York, NY;
• Gotham Licensing Group, LLC, of New York, NY;
• The Buckle, Inc., of Kearney, NE;
• Buffalo International ULC of Montreal, Quebec, Canada;
• 1724982 Alberta ULC of Montreal, Quebec, Canada;
• Diesel S.p.A. of Breganze (VI), Italy;
• DL1961 Premium Denim Inc. of New York, NY;
• Eddie Bauer LLC of Bellevue, WA;
• The Gap, Inc., of San Francisco, CA;
• Guess?, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA;
• H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB of Stockholm, Sweden;
• H&M Hennes & Mauritz LP of New York, NY;
• Roberto Cavalli S.p.A. of Milan, Italy;
• Koos Manufacturing, Inc., of South Gate, CA;
• Levi Strauss & Co. of San Francisco, CA;
• Lucky Brand Dungarees, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA;
• Fashion Box S.p.A. of Asolo (Treviso), Italy; and
• VF Corporation of Greensboro, NC.

(ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-930)