ITC Issues Section 337 Import Ban on Centrifuges, Evaporators From 6 Companies
The International Trade Commission is issuing a limited exclusion order banning imports of centrifuge utility platform and falling film evaporator systems from six companies that infringe patents held by Apeks, it said in a notice that also ends its Section 337 investigation (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1311).
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The ITC had begun the proceeding in March 2021 (see 2205030022), based on allegations from Apeks that 15 Chinese and American companies were improperly importing centrifuges and film evaporators that infringe on three Apeks patents. The centrifuges and evaporators are used to extract and distill botanical compounds. Nine of the respondents have now been dropped from the investigation after settlements or amendments to the original complaint.
The limited exclusion orders apply to Ambiopharm, RI Hemp Farms, Henan Lanphan, Ezhydro, Shanghai Yuanhuai and Charme. The ITC also issued a cease and desist order against the three domestic respondents, Ambiopharm, RI Hemp Farms and Ezydro. The commission set bond at 100% of entered value during the presidential review period.