The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is inverstigating solid state storage drive made by Samsung Electronics Co., SK Hynix Inc. Lenovo, Asus and more, for alleged unfair import trade practices.

The investigation came about two weeks after BiTMICRO, LLC. filed an amended complaint alleging trade violations.

"The amended complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain solid state storage drives, stacked electronic components, and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant," the commission said.

The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

Other companies identified by the commission as respondents in the investigation include Lenovo Group Ltd., ASUSTeK Computer Inc. VAIO Corporation, HP and Dell.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1097), 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 (ALJ), 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.