Philips Seeks Import Ban on TVs, PCs, Parts From 9 Tech Companies

Comments are due Oct. 2 at the International Trade Commission on the Tariff Act Section 337 import ban that Philips seeks on Hisense, LG and TCL TVs; Dell, HP and Lenovo laptops and monitors; and Intel, MediaTek and Realtek components, says Thursday’s Federal Register. Philips’ Friday complaint (login required) in docket 337-3492 alleges the PC brands and TV makers infringe four patents on “secure authenticated distance measurement” for digital video delivery content protection. The chipmakers are accused of violating two of the patents. Philips’ ITC action mirrors complaints it filed in U.S. District Court in Wilmington, Delaware, against the tech companies a day earlier. The finished products identified as infringing goods in all the complaints were sold through Best Buy, Walmart and other big-box retailers. Proposed respondents didn't comment Wednesday.