ITC Asks for Comments on Possible Exclusion, C/D Orders Against Apple, Intel & HP Microchips

The International Trade Commission is asking for comments by Jan. 25 on public interest factors it should consider before issuing exclusion and cease and desist orders against Apple, Hewlett-Packard, and Intel, in connection with its Section 337 patent investigation of certain microprocessors, components thereof, and products containing same (337-TA-781). The investigation was instituted in June 2011 on the basis of a complaint by X2Y Attenuators. In its Dec. 14 remedy recommendation, the administrative law judge recommended a limited exclusion order against subject Intel microprocessors, but that the order be delayed based on public interest factors. The ALJ also recommended extensions of the limited exclusion orders against Apple and HP to cover downstream products, and cease and desist orders against all three respondents.