U.S. opens patent probe into quartz slabs

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on Thursday initiated a patent investigation into certain quartz slabs often used as countertops from eight companies based in the United States, China and Vietnam.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Cambria Company, based in Minnesota, on July 11, 2016, alleging that those companies had infringed upon its patents related to the above products and violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, the bipartisan trade panel said in a statement.

The company requested the USITC issue a general exclusion order or a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against those products.

The two Chinese companies on the list of the investigation are Fasa Industrial Corporation Ltd., and Foshan FASA Building Material Co. Ltd. Both are from Foshan, Guangdong province.

The investigation does not mean the panel has made any decision on the merits of the case. Within 45 days, the panel will set a target date for completing the investigation. Should the complaint be approved, the panel will issue an import ban on infringing products and bar the sale of products within the United States.

Section 337 investigations focus on allegations of patent or registered trademark infringement, and also involve misappropriation of aspects such as trade secrets, false advertising, and violation of antitrust laws.

As it is quicker, cheaper and more practical to win patent cases in the USITC than in U.S. courts, American companies increasingly tap the USITC's authority on patent cases to tamp down their competitors. Endi