Complaint at ITC Seeks Import Ban on Vivint, SimpliSafe, Arlo Video Doorbells

Comments are due Jan. 5 in docket 337-3517 at the International Trade Commission on the public interest ramifications of the Tariff Act Section 337 exclusion order that SkyBell Technologies, SB IP Holdings and EyeTalk365 seek on video doorbells and IP cameras from Vivint Smart Home, SimpliSafe and Arlo Technologies, said Monday’s Federal Register. The devices are allegedly infringing seven communications and monitoring systems patents dating to August 2016, one as recently as June 2, said the Dec. 18 complaint (login required). Vivint, Arlo and SimpliSafe are unlawfully importing the accused products to the U.S. from China, Indonesia, Taiwan and Vietnam, it said, Granting the import ban and other “remedial orders” will serve the public interest, it said. The accused products “are not necessary to any health or welfare need, and an adequate supply of substitute products will be available through SkyBell and other companies,” it said. "We take patent infringement allegations very seriously and are actively looking into the matter," emailed a SimpliSafe spokesperson Monday. "At this time though, we cannot provide any other comments given the pending litigation." Vivint and Arlo didn’t comment.