US opens patent probe into Chinese handheld magnifiers

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) on Friday initiated a patent investigation into handheld magnifiers produced by a Chinese medical technology company and its U.S. entity. The products at issue are handheld magnifiers used by low vision users and others to enlarge materials for easier viewing or reading, the bipartisan trade panel said in a statement. The probe is based on a complaint filed by Freedom Scientific, a U.S. manufacturer of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments, who claimed that Aumed Group Corp., a medical technology company based in Beijing, China, and its U.S. entity based in the State of California had infringed upon its patents and violated the Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, the panel said. The investigation does not mean the panel has made any decision on the merits of the case. Within 45 days, the panel will set a target date for completing the investigation. Should the complaint be approved, the panel will issue remedial orders, such as a ban on importation of accused products. The United States has launched several antidumping, countervailing duty and Section 337 investigations against Chinese products this year. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.