The United States launches 337 investigation! Delta Electronics, Quanta, and Hon Hai are included in the list

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) announced on the 9th local time that it has officially launched a Section 337 investigation into specific vertical power supply systems, related components and computing systems equipped with related technologies. Taiwanese technology giants Delta Electronics (2308), Quanta (2382), Hon Hai (2317) and their related companies have all been included in the investigation list, involving power supply and server supply chains.

According to the USITC announcement, this investigation originated from a complaint filed by Vicor Corporation, a US power supply technology manufacturer, on September 9, and relevant information was added on September 10. Vicor claimed that some of the vertical power supply systems, related components and computing systems imported and sold in the United States were suspected of infringing the patent rights claimed by it, so it requested the USITC to issue a Limited Exclusion Order and a Cease and Desist Orders to restrict the import and sale of the infringing related products in the U.S. market.

In terms of Taiwanese manufacturers, Delta Electronics and its subsidiaries Delta Electronics Americas and DET Logistics USA were included in the investigation list; as for Quanta, four companies including Quanta Computer, Werder Technology, Werder Technology America, and Quanta Computer America were included.

As for Hon Hai Group, in addition to Hon Hai Precision itself, its industrial subsidiaries Fii and FII USA, as well as server-related companies Ingrasys Technology and its US companies, are also included in the investigation.

In addition to Taiwanese technology manufacturers, the list of investigations also includes companies such as German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon, China's Luxshare, US power management chip factory MPS, electronics foundry Flextronics, and Canadian electronics manufacturing services company Celestica.

It is worth noting that the scope of this investigation not only covers vertical power supply systems and related components, but also computing systems using related technologies. However, the USITC announcement did not further disclose the specific product models or computing platforms involved, nor has it been determined that the relevant companies have committed patent infringement.

The USITC emphasizes that the formal launch of the Section 337 investigation does not mean that it has made a ruling on the substantive disputes in the case. Subsequently, the Chief Administrative Judge will assign an administrative judge to be responsible for the trial, arrange the evidence hearing process, and make a preliminary ruling on whether Section 337 has been violated, and then submit it to the USITC for review.

In accordance with the investigation procedures, USITC will set a target date for completion of the investigation within 45 days after the case is filed, and make a final ruling at the earliest feasible time. If a relevant relief order is finally issued, it will take effect from the time of issuance. Unless the U.S. Trade Representative vetoes it on policy grounds within 60 days, it will become final 60 days after issuance.