ITC Institutes Investigation (337-TA-777) Regarding Certain Muzzle-Loading Firearms And Components Thereof
On June 14, 2011, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a press release announcing that it voted to institute an investigation of Certain Muzzle-Loading Firearms and Components Thereof (Inv. No. 337-TA-777).
The investigation is based on a May 11, 2011 complaint filed by Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc. and Smith & Wesson Corp. – both of Springfield, Massachusetts, alleging violation of Section 337 in the importation into the U.S. and sale of certain muzzle-loading firearms and components thereof that infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 7,908,781; 7,814,694; 7,140,138; 6,604,311; 5,782,030; and 5,639,981. See our May 12, 2011 post for more details.
According to the Notice of Investigation, the ITC has identified the following entities as the respondents in this investigation:
- Dikar Sociedad Cooperativa Limitada of Spain
- Bergara Barrels Europe of Spain
- Blackpowder Products Inc. of Duluth, Georgia
- Connecticut Valley Arms of Duluth, Georgia
- Bergara Barrels North America, Duluth, Georgia
- Ardesa Firearms of Spain
- Traditional Sporting Goods, Inc. d/b/a Traditions Sporting Firearms of Old Saybrook, Connecticut
In addition, Chief ALJ Paul J. Luckern issued a notice indicating that Robert K. Rogers, Jr. will be the presiding Administrative Law Judge in this investigation.
