ITC Investigating Arista Over Cisco Patent Infringement Complaint

The International Trade Commission began a formal Tariff Act Section 337 enforcement investigation into allegations that Arista continues to import network switches that infringe Cisco’s patents, despite a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders in place since June 23 (see 1606300029), the ITC said in Tuesday's Federal Register. In a complaint filed in August, Cisco acknowledged Arista says it modified its switches so they no longer violate Section 337 but said Arista never obtained permission from the ITC to continue to import them. The switches still copy Cisco’s patented designs, Cisco said, asking that the ITC enforce the existing exclusion and cease and desist orders, modify them to better cover Arista's products, and impose monetary penalties on Arista while the alleged violations continue. Arista didn't comment.