On April 28, 2022, the ITC issued a Notice of Investigation in Certain Mobile Electronic Devices (Inv. No. 337-TA-1312).

By way of background, this investigation is based on a March 30, 2022 complaint filed by Maxell Ltd. of Japan  (“Maxell”) alleging violations of section 337 by Respondents Lenovo Group Ltd. of China; Lenovo (United States) Inc. of Morrisville, North Carolina; and Motorola Mobility LLC of Libertyville, Illinois (collectively, “Respondents”) in the unlawful importation/sale of certain mobile electronic devices that infringe one or more claims of U.S. Patent No. 7,199,821 (“the ’821 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 7,324,487 (“the ’487 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 8,170,394 (“the ’394 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 8,982,086 (“the ’086 Patent”); and U.S. Patent No. 10,129,590 (“the ’590 Patent”); and U.S. Patent No. 10,244,284 (“the ’284 Patent”).

According to the complaint, the asserted patents relate to various structures and features included in certain mobile electronic devices:  the ’821 patent is directed to an imaging apparatus, such as a mobile electronic device or smartphone, that has the ability to capture pictures with the correct color effect; the ’487 patent is directed to a method of controlling communication between a wireless terminal (such as a smartphone or other cellular device) and a plurality of base stations in a cellular network; the ’394 patent relates to a multimedia player that shows users only buttons of particular interest at any given time; the ’086 patent discloses techniques for conveniently unlocking information processing devices, such as smartphones; and the ’590 and ’284 patents are directed to a technique for establishing multiple connections between a plurality of device wirelessly via a radio in order to transmit video information.  The accused products are mobile electronic devices that are imported and sold under the Motorola brand name, such as the Moto E (2020), Razr 2nd generation, Motorola Edge (2021), Motorola Edge (2020), Motorola Edge 5G UW, Motorola Edge+, Moto G Stylus (2021), Motorola One 5G Ace, Motorola One 5G UW, Motorola One 5G UW Ace, Motorola One 5G, Moto G Stylus (2020), Moto G100, Moto G Pure, Moto G Power (2021), Moto G Stylus 5G, Moto G Fast, Moto G Play, Moto G Power (2020), and Moto G Power (2022).  Maxell is requesting that the Commission issue a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist order against Respondents.  According to the Notice of Investigation, the Office of Unfair Import Investigations will participate as a party in the investigation.  Lastly, Chief ALJ Clark S. Cheney issued a notice indicating that ALJ Monica Bhattacharyya will preside in the investigation.