U.S. ITC announces probe of Micron, others over certain NAND memory devices

The U.S. International Trade Commission announced that it has voted to institute an investigation of certain NAND memory devices and electronic devices containing the same. The investigation is based on a complaint filed by MimirIP LLC, of Dallas, TX, on July 8, 2024, and supplemented on July 26, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain NAND memory devices and electronic devices containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation: Micron (MU), Acer, Acer America, HP (HPQ), Kingston Technology, Lenovo Group (LNVGY), Lenovo U.S. By instituting this investigation, the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission. The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.