Velodyne Seeks Section 337 Import Ban on 3-D Lidar Devices

Comments are due Aug. 29 on a ban Velodyne Lidar seeks on imports of 3-D lidar devices that allegedly infringe its patents and are subsequently incorporated into autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, industrial machines and robotics, said Wednesday’s Federal Register. “Velodyne seeks to protect itself and its United States operations from two foreign companies” -- Hesai Photonics Technology and Suteng Innovation Technology (aka RoboSense) -- “that took its revolutionary patented invention, incorporated it into their competing products, and are injecting those infringing products into the United States market,” Velodyne said in a complaint filed Aug. 15 with the International Trade Commission. Velodyne seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders banning import and sale of infringing devices from Hesai and RoboSense. "RoboSense will actively respond and follow the standard legal process, and will respect the final judgment," emailed a spokesperson, saying the lawsuit targets "a small number of our products in the U.S. market only." Hesai didn't comment Wednesday.