On July 20, 2009, ALJ Theodore R. Essex issued Order No. 4 in Certain Course Management System Software Products (Inv. No. 337-TA-677) setting the target date for completing the investigation.

According to the Order, ALJ Essex set October 12, 2010 as the target date (which is 16 months after institution of the investigation).  ALJ Essex further indicated that any final initial determination on violation should be filed no later than June 9, 2010.  In addition, ALJ Essex noted that the evidentiary hearing in this matter will commence on February 22, 2010.  In the Order, ALJ Essex also observed that these target and hearing dates might be extended if he grants a currently pending motion to stay the investigation in light of a reexamination proceeding at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and an appellate proceeding before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The Order directs the parties to submit a proposed procedural schedule by no later than July 27, 2009.