ITC Opens Section 337 Probe Into Infringement Allegations Against Lenovo

The International Trade Commission voted Tuesday to open a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into Nokia allegations that Lenovo laptops, tablets, desktop PCs and components infringe four of its patents on H.264 video compression and a fifth on user interfaces (see 2007180001), said a notice (login required) posted Wednesday in docket 337-TA-1208. Nokia’s July 2 complaint seeks limited exclusion and cease-and-desist orders against the allegedly infringing devices and parts. Lenovo and its defenders argued in the runup to the investigation that an import ban would undermine the public interest because demand for laptops and other connectivity tools is spiking under work-from-home and remote-learning mandates. Nokia countered that Lenovo overstated its market importance and that other vendors easily could replace Lenovo’s excluded supply. Lenovo has 20 days to respond. It doesn't comment "on ongoing legal matters," emailed a spokesperson Wednesday.