ITC Denies Cable Firms’ Early Disposition Request in Section 337 Probe

The International Trade Commission assigned Administrative Law Judge Cameron Elliot to preside over the newly opened Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into Broadband iTV allegations that cable set-top boxes from Comcast, Charter and Altice infringe four BBiTV patents on VOD and electronic program guides (see 2205270036), says a notice in docket 337-TA-1315. Commissioners voted 5-0 to launch the investigation. The ITC, in a separate order, denied the cable companies’ request for the agency to adjudicate the case through its 100-day early disposition program (see 2205100031). “It appears that certain information may not be obtainable in time to be used in a 100-day proceeding,” said the commission. BBiTV had opposed the request on grounds that early disposition would “prejudice” its case (see 2205110035).