ITC Vote Was Unanimous to Launch Probe Into Sharp’s Complaint Against Vizio

The International Trade Commission vote was 5-0 to open a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into Sharp’s patent infringement allegations against Vizio (see 2005210041), said a voting sheet (login required) dated May 20 and posted Tuesday in docket 337-TA-1201. Sharp seeks limited exclusion and cease and desist orders banning import of Vizio TVs that allegedly infringe five Sharp LCD patents. Sharp’s complaint also targets Vizio’s panel supplier, Xianyang CaiHong Optoelectronics Technology, and TPV, its TV assembler. Vizio and its suppliers didn't comment but face a June 10 ITC deadline to reply to Sharp's complaint and the initiation of the Section 337 investigation.