April 22, 2024 – Maier & Maier PLLC is pleased to report that our clients Hikam America, Inc., Hikam Electrónica de México, S.A. de C.V., Hikam Tecnologia de Sinaloa, Hewtech Philippines Corp., Hewtech Philippines Electronics Corp., and Hewtech (Shenzhen) Electronics Co., Ltd. have been terminated from ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1365.
The Firm represented six of the Respondents in an ITC Investigation in which they were accused by Shoals Technologies Group, LLC (“Shoals”) of infringing U.S. Patent No. 10,553,739 (“the ‘739 Patent”), which purportedly covers molded fuses used in solar installations.
On March 6, 2024, the presiding ALJ issued an Initial Determination (Order No. 20) granting Respondents’ motion for summary determination pursuant to Commission Rule 210.18(b) (19 CFR 210.18(b)). The ID found that under the proper claim construction, Shoals has not shown that genuine issues of material fact exist regarding whether Shoals has satisfied the technical prong of the domestic industry requirement with respect to the ’739 Patent.
On March 13, 2024, Shoals filed a petition for review of the ID. On March 26, 2024, Respondents and OUII each filed separate responses to Shoals’ petition for review of the ID.
On April 19, 2024, the Commission determined not to review the ID. Because Shoals has not satisfied the technical prong of the domestic industry requirement for the ’739 patent, the investigation is now terminated as to the ’739 patent with a finding of no violation.
Maier & Maier continues to enjoy consistent and favorable results in its litigation matters. The firm has obtained favorable results when defending clients accused of infringement by competitors as well as cases brought by patent assertion entities. This victory comes on the heels of another favorable decision in a District Court case earlier this month.
About Maier & Maier PLLC
Maier & Maier’s litigation team has been hard at work delivering positive results for clients. The Maier & Maier team continues to advocate on behalf of clients in federal courts, before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and the International Trade Commission.