ITC Comments Due on Import Ban Sought on Cable Set-Tops

Comments are due May 9 in docket 337-3616 at the International Trade Commission on the public interest ramifications of the cease and desist and limited exclusion orders that Broadband iTV (BBiTV) seeks in an April 22 complaint on set-top boxes from Comcast, Charter and Altice for allegedly infringing four patents on VOD and electronic program guide technologies, says a notice for Friday’s Federal Register. “The accused products relate to consumer entertainment and do not implicate public health, safety, or welfare concerns,” said the complaint. Consumers would “continue to have access to like or directly competitive products and services,” including those from BBiTV licensee Dish Network, so an import ban “will not harm the public interest,” it said. Comcast, Charter and Altice didn’t comment.