Joseph Lanser Published in Asian Counsel

Joseph Lanser’s article, “Importing Products Into the U.S.? Beware the ITC,” was published in the October 2009 issue of Asian Counsel. In his article, Joe explains that companies importing products into the United States, particularly from Asia, should not overlook the strong possibility that they may become involved in an investigation before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). His article notes that the ITC is an independent federal agency authorized by U.S. law to investigate whether products imported into the country infringe U.S. intellectual property rights such as patents, copyrights and trademarks, and if so, prevent their importation. Joe points out that these products include a wide range of merchandise, including: consumer goods, semiconductors, cellular phones, computer hardware and software, electronics, pharmaceuticals, kitchen utensils, and auto parts. Joe's article specifically focuses on investigations in the context of patent infringement and he outlines the steps of an ITC investigation and what companies need to know should they find themselves being investigated.