ITC Begins Probe Into Samsung Smartphones, Tablets

The International Trade Commission opened a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into Pictos Technologies allegations that Samsung smartphone and tablet imports rely on image-sensing trade secrets stolen from Pictos, said a Wednesday notice (login required) in docket 337-TA-1231. Pictos alleges Samsung worked with its predecessor company and was its largest customer but took advantage of its access and misappropriated the predecessor’s technology and trade secrets, then ended the relationship and left the predecessor without its competitive advantage and largest client. The ITC will consider whether to issue limited exclusion and cease and desist orders banning import and sale of allegedly infringing Samsung goods. Samsung didn't comment Monday. It blasted the allegations in a Nov. 6 filing (login required) as "materially deficient." Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, urged the agency to open the probe. Pictos is "suffering from the loss of production revenues and patent royalties" through Samsung's infringement and is "being worn down by these efforts," Crapo wrote (login required) ITC Chairman Jason Kearns Nov. 16.