ITC Opens Probe Into Complaint That Vizio, Its Suppliers Infringe 5 Sharp LCD Patents

The International Trade Commission voted Wednesday to open a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into Sharp allegations that Vizio, its panel maker Xianyang CaiHong Optoelectronics and TV set manufacturer TPV infringe five Sharp LCD display patents (see 2004270045), said an agency notice Thursday in docket 337-TA-1201. Vizio and the other respondents didn’t comment. They have 20 days to file a response. Administrative Law Judge Dee Lord was assigned to the case.