12
Jul
By Eric Schweibenz
On July 10, 2013, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a press release announcing their vote to institute an investigation of Certain TV Programs, Literary Works For TV Production And Episode Guides Pertaining to Same (Inv. No. 337-TA-886).

The investigation is based on a June 7, 2013 complaint and June 25 and 27, 2013 supplements to the complaint filed by E.T. Radcliffe, LLC of Dallas, Texas and Emir Tiar of Coto De Caza, California (collectively, “Complainants”) alleging violation of Section 337 in the importation into the U.S. and sale of certain TV programs, literary works for TV production and episode guides pertaining to same that infringe copyrights asserted by the Complainants. The complaint also alleges violations of Section 337 in the importation into the U.S., sale for importation, and sale after importation of certain TV programs, literary works for TV production and episode guides pertaining to same, by reason of unfair methods of competition and unfair acts, the threat or effect of which is to destroy or substantially injure an industry in the United States.  See our June 10, 2013 post for more details on the complaint.

According to the Notice of Investigation, the Commission has identified The Walt Disney Company of Burbank, California, Thunderbird Films, Inc. of Los Angeles, California, and Mindset Television, Inc. of Canada as the respondents in this investigation.

Lastly, Chief ALJ Charles E. Bullock issued a notice indicating that he will be the presiding Administrative Law Judge in this investigation.