U.S. and Taiwan (2008)

United States International Trade Commission

May 29, 2008
News Release 08-053
Inv. No. 337-TA-651
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

ITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION ON CERTAIN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain automotive parts. The products at issue in this investigation are various parts of the Ford Mustang.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford GTL) of Dearborn, MI, on May 2, 2008. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States of certain automotive parts that infringe patents owned by Ford GTL. The complainant requests that the ITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

The ITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc., of Pomona, CA;
LKQ Corporation of Chicago, IL;
U.S. Autoparts Network, Inc., of Carson, CA;
Jui Li Enterprise Co. of Taiwan;
Y.C.C. Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd., of Taiwan;
TYC Brother Industrial Co., Ltd. of Taiwan;
Taiwan Kai Yih Industrial Co., Ltd. of Taiwan; and
T.Y.G. Products, L.P., of McKinney, TX.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-651), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Theodore Essex, an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Essex 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 ITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. ITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.