It is reported that the US International Trade Commission has voted to institute an investigation of certain automotive parts. The products at issue in this investigation are various parts of the Ford Mustang.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Ford Global Technologies, LLC of Dearborn, MI on May 2nd 2008. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States of certain automotive parts that infringe patents owned by Ford GTL. The complainant requests that the ITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

The ITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation

1. Keystone Automotive Industries Inc of Pomona at California

2. LKQ Corporation of Chicago at Illinois

3. US Autoparts Network Inc of Carson at California

4. Jui Li Enterprise Co of Taiwan

5. YCC Parts Manufacturing Co Ltd of Taiwan

6. TYC Brother Industrial Company Ltd of Taiwan

7. Taiwan Kai Yih Industrial Co Ltd of Taiwan

8. T.YG Products, LP of McKinney at Texas.

By instituting this investigation the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Theodore Essex an ITC administrative law judge who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Essex will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337 that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The ITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. ITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the US Trade Representative within that 60 day period.

June 03, 2008

Source: steelguru.com