Garmin Ltd. said it was cleared June 24 in a final determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) of violating Section 337 of the Tariff Act with respect to Garmin’s imported navigation products. An ITC administrative law judge previously ruled that Garmin’s products do not infringe any of the patents asserted by Pioneer.
Section 337 allows U.S. companies to seek a remedy for unfair import competition deemed a threat to U.S. industry. Section 337 cases can involve allegations of patent infringement, price fixing, boycotts and other practices aimed at restraining trade.
Garmin respects intellectual property rights and is never afraid to defend itself against illegitimate patent claims. We are very pleased that the ITC validated our legal positions. This decision represents the fourth consecutive U.S. patent lawsuit that Garmin has won. said Andrew Etkind, Garmins vice president and general counsel.
The final determination terminates the ITC’s review of Garmin’s products. Related litigation between Garmin and Pioneer in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas was recently stayed pending the ITC’s final determination and any appellate review.
