ITC Begins Investigation on Import Ban of Trademark-Infringing Laundry and Household Cleaners

The International Trade Commission began an investigation Aug. 23 on whether to ban imports of laundry and household cleaning products from Mexican company Alen for trademark infringement. Clorox requested the Section 337 investigation on July 25, alleging Alen makes products that bear the names “Cloralex” and “Pinol” in Mexico, including liquid bleach, color safe bleach, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaning products, disinfecting cleaners, and disinfecting wipes (see 13073017). The merchandise is imported by Alen’s U.S. affiliate, and is then sold to retailers, Clorox said. According to Clorox, the products infringe its Clorox and Pine-Sol trademarks. Clorox is requesting a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against the following respondents: