The U.S. International Trade Commission inverstigates a complaint filed by Toshiba that 17 manufacturers are infringing its patents related to DVD players and recorders. The complaint was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission last month. A supplemental letter was filed on April 24, 2007. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation of certain DVD players and recorders and certain products.

Toshiba requested the Commission to investigate and, after the investigation, issue a permanent exclusion order and permanent cease and desist orders.

The companies related to the patent infrigment include Daewoo, Memorex, Polaroid brand names, as well as Star Light Electronics Co. Ltd. of Hong Kong, Tonic Technology (Shenzhen) Ltd. of China and many others, according to the complaint filed by Toshiba.

ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing, before making an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of the section 337.