ITC Starts Investigation on Comcast Set-Tops

The International Trade Commission began an investigation into imports of Arris set-top boxes and remote controls that allegedly infringe Kudelski's patents, the ITC said Feb. 27. In a complaint filed in January, Kudelski and its affiliates OpenTV, Nagra and Nagravision said set-tops made by Arris, and voice-enabled remote controls made by Universal Electronics, are being imported for use with Comcast's Xfinity X1 service. Each copies Kudelski's patented designs, the complaint said. The ITC will decide whether to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order banning import and sale of infringing set-top boxes and remote controls by Arris, Comcast, Universal Electronics and some affiliates. Arris declined to comment, and Comcast and Universal Electronics didn't comment Tuesday.