81_FR_3484 81 FR 3471 - Certain Windshield Wiper Devices and Components Thereof; Commission Decision To Review In Part a Final Initial Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337; Request for Written Submissions

81 FR 3471 - Certain Windshield Wiper Devices and Components Thereof; Commission Decision To Review In Part a Final Initial Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337; Request for Written Submissions

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 13 (January 21, 2016)

Page Range3471-3473
FR Document2016-01089

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to review in part the presiding administrative law judge's (``ALJ'') final initial determination (``final ID'') issued on October 27, 2015 finding a violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (``section 337'') in the above-captioned investigation.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3471-3473]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01089]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. 337-TA-934]


Certain Windshield Wiper Devices and Components Thereof; 
Commission Decision To Review In Part a Final Initial Determination 
Finding a Violation of Section 337; Request for Written Submissions

AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade 
Commission has determined to review in part the presiding 
administrative law judge's (``ALJ'') final initial determination 
(``final ID'') issued on October 27, 2015 finding a violation of 
section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 
(``section 337'') in the above-captioned investigation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Megan M. Valentine, Office of the 
General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 708-2301. Copies of non-
confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation are 
or will be available for inspection during official business hours 
(8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. 
International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, 
telephone (202) 205-2000. General information concerning the Commission 
may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server at http://www.usitc.gov. The public record for this investigation may be viewed 
on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at http://edis.usitc.gov. 
Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter 
can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on (202) 
205-1810.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission instituted this investigation 
on October 27, 2014, based on a Complaint filed by Nobel Biocare 
Services AG of Switzerland and Nobel Biocare USA, LLC of Yorba Linda, 
California (collectively, ``Nobel''), as supplemented. 79 FR 63940-41 
(Oct. 27, 2014). The Complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the 
Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (``section 337''), in 
the sale for importation, importation, and sale within the United 
States after importation of certain dental implants by reason of 
infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,714,977 (``the 
'977 patent'') and 8,764,443 (``the '443 patent''). The Complaint 
further alleges the existence of a domestic industry. The Commission's 
Notice of Investigation named as respondents Neodent USA, Inc., of 
Andover, Massachusetts and JJGC Ind[uacute]stria e Com[eacute]rcio de 
Materiais Dent[aacute]rios S/A of Curitiba, Brazil (collectively, 
``Respondents''). The Commission previously terminated the 
investigation in part as to certain claims of the '443 patent. Notice 
(Apr. 29, 2015); Order No. 22 (Apr. 8, 2015). The Commission also 
amended the Notice of Investigation to reflect the corporate name 
change of Neodent USA, Inc. to lnstradent USA, Inc. Notice (May 6, 
2015); Order No. 24 (Apr. 9, 2015). The use of the term ``Respondents'' 
herein refers to the current named respondents.
    On October 27, 2015, the ALJ issued his final ID, finding a 
violation of section 337 with respect to asserted claims 15, 18, 19, 
30, and 32 of the '443 patent, and finding no violation with respect to 
asserted claim 17 of the '443 patent and all of the asserted claims of 
the '977 patent. In particular, the final ID finds that the accused 
products infringe claims 1-5 and 19 of the '977 patent and claims 15, 
18, 19, 30, and 32 of the '443 patent, but do not infringe claim 17 of 
the '443 patent. The final ID also found that Respondents have shown 
that the asserted claims of the '977 patent are invalid for 
anticipation under 35 U.S.C. 102, but have not shown that the asserted 
claims of the '443 are invalid. In addition, the final ID found that 
Respondents failed to show that the asserted claims of the '977 and 
'443 patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct. The final ID 
further found that Nobel has satisfied the domestic industry 
requirement with respect to both the '977 and '443 patents.
    On November 10, 2015, the ALJ issued his recommended determination 
(``RD'') on remedy and bonding. The RD recommended that the appropriate 
remedy is a limited exclusion order barring entry of Respondents' 
infringing dental implants. The RD did not recommend issuance of a 
cease and desist order against any respondent. The RD recommended the 
imposition of a bond of $120 per imported unit during the period of 
Presidential review.
    On November 9, 2015, Nobel filed a petition for review of the final 
ID's finding of no violation with respect to claims 1-5 of the '977 
patent. In particular, Nobel requested review of the final ID's finding 
that the March 2003 Product Catalog of Alpha Bio Tec, Ltd. (``the 2003 
Alpha Bio Tec Catalog'') constitutes prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(b), 
arguing that the catalog was not sufficiently publicly accessible prior 
to the critical date. Nobel also requested, if the Commission 
determines not to review the ID's prior art finding, that the 
Commission review the final ID's construction of the limitation ``the 
coronal region having a frustoconical shape'' recited in claim 1 of the 
'977 patent and, accordingly, review the final ID's finding that the 
accused products do not infringe claims 1-5 of the '977 patent under 
Nobel's proposed construction of that limitation. Nobel further argued 
that, should the Commission agree partially with Nobel concerning the 
proper construction of the limitation ``the coronal region having a 
frustoconical shape,'' the 2003 Alpha-Bio Tec Catalog does not 
anticipate the asserted claims of the '977 patent.
    No party petitioned for review of the final ID's finding that there 
is a violation of section 337 with respect to the '443 patent.
    On November 17, 2015, Respondents and the Commission investigative 
attorney (``IA'') each filed responses opposing Nobel's petition for 
review.
    On December 10, 2015, Respondents submited a post-RD statement on 
the public interest pursuant to Commission

[[Page 3472]]

Rule 210.50(a)(4). On December 14, 2015, Nobel submited a post-RD 
statement on the public interest pursuant to Commission Rule 
210.50(a)(4). No responses were filed by the public in response to the 
post-RD Commission Notice issued on November 12, 2015. See Notice of 
Request for Statements on the Public Interest, 80 FR 76574-75 (Dec. 9, 
2015), see also Correction of Notice, 80 FR 77376-77 (Dec. 14, 2015).
    Having examined the record of this investigation, including the 
final ID, the petitions for review, and the responses thereto, the 
Commission has determined to review the final ID in part.
    Specifically, the Commission has determined to review the final 
ID's construction of the limitation ``coronal region having a 
frustoconical shape'' recited in claim 1 of the '977 patent with regard 
to whether or not the term ``frustoconical shape'' is an adjective that 
modifies the claimed ``coronal region'' or whether the term is an 
independent structure that may comprise only a portion of the claimed 
``coronal region.'' In accordance with its claim construction review, 
the Commission has further determined to review the final ID's 
infringement findings with respect to claims 1-5 of the '977 patent, as 
well as the final ID's finding that the technical prong of the domestic 
industry requirement is satisfied with respect to claims 1-5 of the 
'977 patent.
    The Commission has also determined to review the final ID's finding 
that the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog is a printed publication under 35 
U.S.C. 102. The Commission has further determined to review the final 
ID's finding that the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog anticipates claims 1-5 
of the '977 patent.
    The Commission has determined not to review the remaining issues 
decided in the final ID.
    The parties are requested to brief their positions on the issues 
under review with reference to the applicable law and the evidentiary 
record. In connection with its review, the Commission is particularly 
interested in responses to the following questions:

    1. With respect to the proper construction of the limitation 
``coronal region having a frustoconical shape'' recited in claim 1 
of the '977 patent, please address the meaning of the term 
``frustoconical shape'' in the context of claim 1, and, in 
particular, whether the term is an adjective that merely modifies 
the claimed ``coronal region'' or whether the term may refer to an 
independent structure comprised within the claimed ``coronal 
region.'' In addition, please address the significance of the clause 
``wherein a diameter of an apical end of the coronal region is 
larger than a diameter of a coronal end of the coronal region'' 
recited in claim 1 to the appropriate construction of the limitation 
``coronal region having a frustoconical shape.'' Please discuss all 
governing precedent with respect to this issue.
    2. With respect to whether the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog is 
prior art to the '977 patent, please address the significance of the 
evidence presented in exhibit JX-0278C, and the significance of the 
inclusion of the catalog in an information disclosure statement to 
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (see exhibit CX-0560). In 
addition, please address any evidence regarding the publication date 
of the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog, as well as any record evidence 
concerning whether and when the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog was 
``publically accessible'' prior to the critical date under governing 
precedent.
    3. Please address whether the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog 
anticipates the asserted claims of the '977 patent under a 
construction of the limitation ``coronal region having a 
frustoconical shape'' recited in claim 1 that requires the entire 
coronal region to be frustoconical but does not require any 
additional functional limitation.
    4. With respect to whether the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog 
anticipates claim 2 of the '977 patent, please address the 
significance of the testimony of Nobel's expert, Mr. Hurson, that 
one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any portion 
of an implant intended to mate with another component, e.g. an 
abutment, would never be acid-etched. In addition, please address 
whether or not the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog clearly and 
convincingly discloses that the bevel of the illustrated 5.0 mm SPI 
implant is acid etched.
    5. Please address whether, under a construction of the 
limitation ``coronal region having a frustoconical shape'' recited 
in claim 1 of the '977 patent that requires the entire coronal 
region to be frustoconical but does not require any additional 
functional limitation, the technical prong of the domestic industry 
requirement is satisfied with respect to claim 1 of the '977 patent.

    The parties have been invited to brief only these discrete issues, 
as enumerated above, with reference to the applicable law and 
evidentiary record. The parties are not to brief other issues on 
review, which are adequately presented in the parties' existing 
filings.
    In connection with the final disposition of this investigation, the 
Commission may (1) issue an order that could result in the exclusion of 
the subject articles from entry into the United States, and/or (2) 
issue one or more cease and desist orders that could result in the 
respondent(s) being required to cease and desist from engaging in 
unfair acts in the importation and sale of such articles. Accordingly, 
the Commission is interested in receiving written submissions that 
address the form of remedy, if any, that should be ordered. If a party 
seeks exclusion of an article from entry into the United States for 
purposes other than entry for consumption, the party should so indicate 
and provide information establishing that activities involving other 
types of entry either are adversely affecting it or likely to do so. 
For background, see Certain Devices for Connecting Computers via 
Telephone Lines, Inv. No. 337-TA-360, USITC Pub. No. 2843 (December 
1994) (Commission Opinion).
    If the Commission contemplates some form of remedy, it must 
consider the effects of that remedy upon the public interest. The 
factors the Commission will consider include the effect that an 
exclusion order and/or cease and desist orders would have on (1) the 
public health and welfare, (2) competitive conditions in the U.S. 
economy, (3) U.S. production of articles that are like or directly 
competitive with those that are subject to investigation, and (4) U.S. 
consumers. The Commission is therefore interested in receiving written 
submissions that address the aforementioned public interest factors in 
the context of this investigation.
    If the Commission orders some form of remedy, the U.S. Trade 
Representative, as delegated by the President, has 60 days to approve 
or disapprove the Commission's action. See Presidential Memorandum of 
July 21, 2005, 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005). During this period, the 
subject articles would be entitled to enter the United States under 
bond, in an amount determined by the Commission and prescribed by the 
Secretary of the Treasury. The Commission is therefore interested in 
receiving submissions concerning the amount of the bond that should be 
imposed if a remedy is ordered.
    Written Submissions: The parties to the investigation, including 
the Office of Unfair Import Investigations, are requested to file 
written submissions on the issues identified in this notice. Parties to 
the investigation, including the Office of Unfair Import 
Investigations, interested government agencies, and any other 
interested parties are encouraged to file written submissions on the 
issues of remedy, the public interest, and bonding. Such submissions 
should address the recommended determination by the ALJ on remedy and 
bonding. Complainant and the Office of Unfair Import Investigations are 
also requested to submit proposed remedial orders for the Commission's 
consideration. Complainant is further requested to state the dates that 
the patents expire, the HTSUS numbers under which the

[[Page 3473]]

accused products are imported, and any known importers of the accused 
products. The written submissions and proposed remedial orders must be 
filed no later than close of business on January 21, 2016. Initial 
submissions are limited to 50 pages, not including any attachments or 
exhibits related to discussion of the public interest. Reply 
submissions must be filed no later than the close of business on 
January 28, 2016. Reply submissions are limited to 25 pages, not 
including any attachments or exhibits related to discussion of the 
public interest. No further submissions on these issues will be 
permitted unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.
    Persons filing written submissions must file the original document 
electronically on or before the deadlines stated above and submit 8 
true paper copies to the Office of the Secretary by noon the next day 
pursuant to Sec.  210.4(f) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and 
Procedure (19 CFR 210.4(f)). Submissions should refer to the 
investigation number (``Inv. No. 337-TA-934'') in a prominent place on 
the cover page and/or the first page. (See Handbook for Electronic 
Filing Procedures, http://www.usitc.gov/secretary/fed_reg_notices/rules/handbook_on_electronic_filing.pdf). Persons with questions 
regarding filing should contact the Secretary (202-205-2000).
    Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission in 
confidence must request confidential treatment. All such requests 
should be directed to the Secretary to the Commission and must include 
a full statement of the reasons why the Commission should grant such 
treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents for which confidential treatment 
by the Commission is properly sought will be treated accordingly. A 
redacted non-confidential version of the document must also be filed 
simultaneously with any confidential filing. All non-confidential 
written submissions will be available for public inspection at the 
Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.
    On October 21, 2015, Nobel filed a motion to amend the 
Administrative Protective Order (``APO'') issued in this investigation 
to add specific provisions permitting the use of discovery from this 
investigation in two co-pending proceedings in the U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office captioned as Instradent USA, Inc. v. Nobel Biocare 
Services AG, IPR2015-01784, and Instradent USA, Inc. v. Nobel Biocare 
Services AG, IPR2015-01786. On November 2, 2015, Respondents and the IA 
filed oppositions to Nobel's motion. On November 12, 2015, Nobel filed 
a motion for leave to file a reply in support of its motion to amend 
the APO. On November 23, 2015, Respondents filed an opposition to 
Nobel's motion for leave to file a reply.
    The Commission has determined to deny both Nobel's motion to amend 
the APO and motion for leave to file a reply in support of its motion.
    The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in 
section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and 
in Part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 
part 210).

    By order of the Commission.

    Issued: January 14, 2016.
Lisa R. Barton,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2016-01089 Filed 1-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7020-02-P



                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Notices                                              3471

                                                      Federal oil and gas properties located                documents filed in connection with this                claim 17 of the ’443 patent. The final ID
                                                    in all other States where ONRR does not                 investigation are or will be available for             also found that Respondents have
                                                    share a portion of Federal royalties with               inspection during official business                    shown that the asserted claims of the
                                                    the State are eligible for relief if they               hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the                  ’977 patent are invalid for anticipation
                                                    qualify as marginal under the                           Office of the Secretary, U.S.                          under 35 U.S.C. 102, but have not
                                                    regulations (See section 117(c) of RSFA;                International Trade Commission, 500 E                  shown that the asserted claims of the
                                                    30 U.S.C. 1726(c)). For information on                  Street SW., Washington, DC 20436,                      ’443 are invalid. In addition, the final ID
                                                    how to obtain relief, please refer to 30                telephone (202) 205–2000. General                      found that Respondents failed to show
                                                    CFR 1204.205 or to the published rule,                  information concerning the Commission                  that the asserted claims of the ’977 and
                                                    which you may view at http://                           may also be obtained by accessing its                  ’443 patents are unenforceable due to
                                                    www.onrr.gov/Laws_R_D/FRNotices/                        Internet server at http://www.usitc.gov.               inequitable conduct. The final ID further
                                                    PDFDocs/55076.pdf.                                      The public record for this investigation               found that Nobel has satisfied the
                                                      Unless the information that ONRR                      may be viewed on the Commission’s                      domestic industry requirement with
                                                    received is proprietary data, all                       electronic docket (EDIS) at http://                    respect to both the ’977 and ’443
                                                    correspondence, records, or information                 edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired                       patents.
                                                    that we receive in response to this                     persons are advised that information on                   On November 10, 2015, the ALJ
                                                    notice may be subject to disclosure                     this matter can be obtained by                         issued his recommended determination
                                                    under the Freedom of Information Act                    contacting the Commission’s TDD                        (‘‘RD’’) on remedy and bonding. The RD
                                                    (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552 et seq.). If                       terminal on (202) 205–1810.                            recommended that the appropriate
                                                    applicable, please highlight the                                                                               remedy is a limited exclusion order
                                                                                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
                                                    proprietary portions, including any                                                                            barring entry of Respondents’ infringing
                                                                                                            Commission instituted this investigation
                                                    supporting documentation, or mark the                                                                          dental implants. The RD did not
                                                                                                            on October 27, 2014, based on a
                                                    page(s) that contain proprietary data.                                                                         recommend issuance of a cease and
                                                                                                            Complaint filed by Nobel Biocare
                                                    We protect the proprietary information                                                                         desist order against any respondent. The
                                                                                                            Services AG of Switzerland and Nobel
                                                    under the Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C.                                                                         RD recommended the imposition of a
                                                                                                            Biocare USA, LLC of Yorba Linda,
                                                    1905); FOIA, Exemption 4 (5 U.S.C.                                                                             bond of $120 per imported unit during
                                                                                                            California (collectively, ‘‘Nobel’’), as
                                                    552(b)(4)); and Department regulations                                                                         the period of Presidential review.
                                                                                                            supplemented. 79 FR 63940–41 (Oct. 27,                    On November 9, 2015, Nobel filed a
                                                    (43 CFR part 2).                                        2014). The Complaint alleges violations                petition for review of the final ID’s
                                                      Dated: January 6, 2016.                               of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930,              finding of no violation with respect to
                                                    Gregory J. Gould,                                       as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (‘‘section                  claims 1–5 of the ’977 patent. In
                                                    Director, Office of Natural Resources                   337’’), in the sale for importation,                   particular, Nobel requested review of
                                                    Revenue.                                                importation, and sale within the United                the final ID’s finding that the March
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–01079 Filed 1–20–16; 8:45 am]             States after importation of certain dental             2003 Product Catalog of Alpha Bio Tec,
                                                    BILLING CODE 4335–30–P                                  implants by reason of infringement of                  Ltd. (‘‘the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog’’)
                                                                                                            certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos.                     constitutes prior art under 35 U.S.C.
                                                                                                            8,714,977 (‘‘the ’977 patent’’) and                    102(b), arguing that the catalog was not
                                                    INTERNATIONAL TRADE                                     8,764,443 (‘‘the ’443 patent’’). The                   sufficiently publicly accessible prior to
                                                    COMMISSION                                              Complaint further alleges the existence                the critical date. Nobel also requested, if
                                                                                                            of a domestic industry. The                            the Commission determines not to
                                                    [Investigation No. 337–TA–934]                          Commission’s Notice of Investigation                   review the ID’s prior art finding, that the
                                                    Certain Windshield Wiper Devices and                    named as respondents Neodent USA,                      Commission review the final ID’s
                                                    Components Thereof; Commission                          Inc., of Andover, Massachusetts and                    construction of the limitation ‘‘the
                                                    Decision To Review In Part a Final                      JJGC Indústria e Comércio de Materiais               coronal region having a frustoconical
                                                    Initial Determination Finding a                         Dentários S/A of Curitiba, Brazil                     shape’’ recited in claim 1 of the ’977
                                                    Violation of Section 337; Request for                   (collectively, ‘‘Respondents’’). The                   patent and, accordingly, review the final
                                                    Written Submissions                                     Commission previously terminated the                   ID’s finding that the accused products
                                                                                                            investigation in part as to certain claims             do not infringe claims 1–5 of the ’977
                                                    AGENCY: U.S. International Trade                        of the ’443 patent. Notice (Apr. 29,                   patent under Nobel’s proposed
                                                    Commission.                                             2015); Order No. 22 (Apr. 8, 2015). The                construction of that limitation. Nobel
                                                    ACTION: Notice.                                         Commission also amended the Notice of                  further argued that, should the
                                                                                                            Investigation to reflect the corporate                 Commission agree partially with Nobel
                                                    SUMMARY:    Notice is hereby given that                 name change of Neodent USA, Inc. to
                                                    the U.S. International Trade                                                                                   concerning the proper construction of
                                                                                                            lnstradent USA, Inc. Notice (May 6,                    the limitation ‘‘the coronal region
                                                    Commission has determined to review                     2015); Order No. 24 (Apr. 9, 2015). The
                                                    in part the presiding administrative law                                                                       having a frustoconical shape,’’ the 2003
                                                                                                            use of the term ‘‘Respondents’’ herein                 Alpha-Bio Tec Catalog does not
                                                    judge’s (‘‘ALJ’’) final initial                         refers to the current named respondents.
                                                    determination (‘‘final ID’’) issued on                                                                         anticipate the asserted claims of the ’977
                                                                                                               On October 27, 2015, the ALJ issued                 patent.
                                                    October 27, 2015 finding a violation of                 his final ID, finding a violation of                      No party petitioned for review of the
                                                    section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as               section 337 with respect to asserted                   final ID’s finding that there is a violation
                                                    amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337 (‘‘section                      claims 15, 18, 19, 30, and 32 of the ’443              of section 337 with respect to the ’443
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES




                                                    337’’) in the above-captioned                           patent, and finding no violation with                  patent.
                                                    investigation.                                          respect to asserted claim 17 of the ’443                  On November 17, 2015, Respondents
                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        patent and all of the asserted claims of               and the Commission investigative
                                                    Megan M. Valentine, Office of the                       the ’977 patent. In particular, the final              attorney (‘‘IA’’) each filed responses
                                                    General Counsel, U.S. International                     ID finds that the accused products                     opposing Nobel’s petition for review.
                                                    Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW.,                     infringe claims 1–5 and 19 of the ’977                    On December 10, 2015, Respondents
                                                    Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)                   patent and claims 15, 18, 19, 30, and 32               submited a post-RD statement on the
                                                    708–2301. Copies of non-confidential                    of the ’443 patent, but do not infringe                public interest pursuant to Commission


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                                                    3472                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Notices

                                                    Rule 210.50(a)(4). On December 14,                      end of the coronal region’’ recited in claim           If a party seeks exclusion of an article
                                                    2015, Nobel submited a post-RD                          1 to the appropriate construction of the               from entry into the United States for
                                                    statement on the public interest                        limitation ‘‘coronal region having a                   purposes other than entry for
                                                    pursuant to Commission Rule                             frustoconical shape.’’ Please discuss all              consumption, the party should so
                                                                                                            governing precedent with respect to this
                                                    210.50(a)(4). No responses were filed by                issue.
                                                                                                                                                                   indicate and provide information
                                                    the public in response to the post-RD                      2. With respect to whether the 2003 Alpha           establishing that activities involving
                                                    Commission Notice issued on November                    Bio Tec Catalog is prior art to the ’977 patent,       other types of entry either are adversely
                                                    12, 2015. See Notice of Request for                     please address the significance of the                 affecting it or likely to do so. For
                                                    Statements on the Public Interest, 80 FR                evidence presented in exhibit JX–0278C, and            background, see Certain Devices for
                                                    76574–75 (Dec. 9, 2015), see also                       the significance of the inclusion of the               Connecting Computers via Telephone
                                                    Correction of Notice, 80 FR 77376–77                    catalog in an information disclosure                   Lines, Inv. No. 337–TA–360, USITC
                                                    (Dec. 14, 2015).                                        statement to the U.S. Patent and Trademark             Pub. No. 2843 (December 1994)
                                                       Having examined the record of this                   Office (see exhibit CX–0560). In addition,             (Commission Opinion).
                                                    investigation, including the final ID, the              please address any evidence regarding the                 If the Commission contemplates some
                                                    petitions for review, and the responses                 publication date of the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec             form of remedy, it must consider the
                                                                                                            Catalog, as well as any record evidence
                                                    thereto, the Commission has determined                  concerning whether and when the 2003
                                                                                                                                                                   effects of that remedy upon the public
                                                    to review the final ID in part.                         Alpha Bio Tec Catalog was ‘‘publically                 interest. The factors the Commission
                                                       Specifically, the Commission has                     accessible’’ prior to the critical date under          will consider include the effect that an
                                                    determined to review the final ID’s                     governing precedent.                                   exclusion order and/or cease and desist
                                                    construction of the limitation ‘‘coronal                   3. Please address whether the 2003 Alpha            orders would have on (1) the public
                                                    region having a frustoconical shape’’                   Bio Tec Catalog anticipates the asserted               health and welfare, (2) competitive
                                                    recited in claim 1 of the ’977 patent                   claims of the ’977 patent under a                      conditions in the U.S. economy, (3) U.S.
                                                    with regard to whether or not the term                  construction of the limitation ‘‘coronal region        production of articles that are like or
                                                    ‘‘frustoconical shape’’ is an adjective                 having a frustoconical shape’’ recited in              directly competitive with those that are
                                                                                                            claim 1 that requires the entire coronal region        subject to investigation, and (4) U.S.
                                                    that modifies the claimed ‘‘coronal
                                                                                                            to be frustoconical but does not require any
                                                    region’’ or whether the term is an                      additional functional limitation.
                                                                                                                                                                   consumers. The Commission is
                                                    independent structure that may                             4. With respect to whether the 2003 Alpha           therefore interested in receiving written
                                                    comprise only a portion of the claimed                  Bio Tec Catalog anticipates claim 2 of the             submissions that address the
                                                    ‘‘coronal region.’’ In accordance with its              ’977 patent, please address the significance of        aforementioned public interest factors
                                                    claim construction review, the                          the testimony of Nobel’s expert, Mr. Hurson,           in the context of this investigation.
                                                    Commission has further determined to                    that one of ordinary skill in the art would               If the Commission orders some form
                                                    review the final ID’s infringement                      understand that any portion of an implant              of remedy, the U.S. Trade
                                                    findings with respect to claims 1–5 of                  intended to mate with another component,               Representative, as delegated by the
                                                                                                            e.g. an abutment, would never be acid-                 President, has 60 days to approve or
                                                    the ’977 patent, as well as the final ID’s
                                                                                                            etched. In addition, please address whether            disapprove the Commission’s action.
                                                    finding that the technical prong of the                 or not the 2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog clearly
                                                    domestic industry requirement is                                                                               See Presidential Memorandum of July
                                                                                                            and convincingly discloses that the bevel of
                                                    satisfied with respect to claims 1–5 of                 the illustrated 5.0 mm SPI implant is acid
                                                                                                                                                                   21, 2005, 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005).
                                                    the ’977 patent.                                        etched.                                                During this period, the subject articles
                                                       The Commission has also determined                      5. Please address whether, under a                  would be entitled to enter the United
                                                    to review the final ID’s finding that the               construction of the limitation ‘‘coronal region        States under bond, in an amount
                                                    2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog is a printed                 having a frustoconical shape’’ recited in              determined by the Commission and
                                                    publication under 35 U.S.C. 102. The                    claim 1 of the ’977 patent that requires the           prescribed by the Secretary of the
                                                    Commission has further determined to                    entire coronal region to be frustoconical but          Treasury. The Commission is therefore
                                                                                                            does not require any additional functional             interested in receiving submissions
                                                    review the final ID’s finding that the
                                                                                                            limitation, the technical prong of the                 concerning the amount of the bond that
                                                    2003 Alpha Bio Tec Catalog anticipates                  domestic industry requirement is satisfied
                                                    claims 1–5 of the ’977 patent.                                                                                 should be imposed if a remedy is
                                                                                                            with respect to claim 1 of the ’977 patent.
                                                       The Commission has determined not                                                                           ordered.
                                                    to review the remaining issues decided                    The parties have been invited to brief                  Written Submissions: The parties to
                                                    in the final ID.                                        only these discrete issues, as                         the investigation, including the Office of
                                                       The parties are requested to brief their             enumerated above, with reference to the                Unfair Import Investigations, are
                                                    positions on the issues under review                    applicable law and evidentiary record.                 requested to file written submissions on
                                                    with reference to the applicable law and                The parties are not to brief other issues              the issues identified in this notice.
                                                    the evidentiary record. In connection                   on review, which are adequately                        Parties to the investigation, including
                                                    with its review, the Commission is                      presented in the parties’ existing filings.            the Office of Unfair Import
                                                    particularly interested in responses to                   In connection with the final                         Investigations, interested government
                                                    the following questions:                                disposition of this investigation, the                 agencies, and any other interested
                                                                                                            Commission may (1) issue an order that                 parties are encouraged to file written
                                                      1. With respect to the proper construction
                                                    of the limitation ‘‘coronal region having a
                                                                                                            could result in the exclusion of the                   submissions on the issues of remedy,
                                                    frustoconical shape’’ recited in claim 1 of the         subject articles from entry into the                   the public interest, and bonding. Such
                                                    ’977 patent, please address the meaning of              United States, and/or (2) issue one or                 submissions should address the
                                                    the term ‘‘frustoconical shape’’ in the context         more cease and desist orders that could                recommended determination by the ALJ
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES




                                                    of claim 1, and, in particular, whether the             result in the respondent(s) being                      on remedy and bonding. Complainant
                                                    term is an adjective that merely modifies the           required to cease and desist from                      and the Office of Unfair Import
                                                    claimed ‘‘coronal region’’ or whether the               engaging in unfair acts in the                         Investigations are also requested to
                                                    term may refer to an independent structure              importation and sale of such articles.                 submit proposed remedial orders for the
                                                    comprised within the claimed ‘‘coronal
                                                    region.’’ In addition, please address the               Accordingly, the Commission is                         Commission’s consideration.
                                                    significance of the clause ‘‘wherein a                  interested in receiving written                        Complainant is further requested to
                                                    diameter of an apical end of the coronal                submissions that address the form of                   state the dates that the patents expire,
                                                    region is larger than a diameter of a coronal           remedy, if any, that should be ordered.                the HTSUS numbers under which the


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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Notices                                                 3473

                                                    accused products are imported, and any                  motion for leave to file a reply in                    limited exclusion order and cease and
                                                    known importers of the accused                          support of its motion to amend the APO.                desist orders.
                                                    products. The written submissions and                   On November 23, 2015, Respondents                      ADDRESSES: The complaint, except for
                                                    proposed remedial orders must be filed                  filed an opposition to Nobel’s motion                  any confidential information contained
                                                    no later than close of business on                      for leave to file a reply.                             therein, is available for inspection
                                                    January 21, 2016. Initial submissions are                  The Commission has determined to                    during official business hours (8:45 a.m.
                                                    limited to 50 pages, not including any                  deny both Nobel’s motion to amend the                  to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the
                                                    attachments or exhibits related to                      APO and motion for leave to file a reply               Secretary, U.S. International Trade
                                                    discussion of the public interest. Reply                in support of its motion.                              Commission, 500 E Street SW., Room
                                                    submissions must be filed no later than                    The authority for the Commission’s                  112, Washington, DC 20436, telephone
                                                    the close of business on January 28,                    determination is contained in section                  (202) 205–2000. Hearing impaired
                                                    2016. Reply submissions are limited to                  337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as                      individuals are advised that information
                                                    25 pages, not including any attachments                 amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in Part                  on this matter can be obtained by
                                                    or exhibits related to discussion of the                210 of the Commission’s Rules of                       contacting the Commission’s TDD
                                                    public interest. No further submissions                 Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part                    terminal on (202) 205–1810. Persons
                                                    on these issues will be permitted unless                210).                                                  with mobility impairments who will
                                                    otherwise ordered by the Commission.                                                                           need special assistance in gaining access
                                                                                                              By order of the Commission.
                                                       Persons filing written submissions                                                                          to the Commission should contact the
                                                    must file the original document                           Issued: January 14, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                                   Office of the Secretary at (202) 205–
                                                    electronically on or before the deadlines               Lisa R. Barton,
                                                                                                                                                                   2000. General information concerning
                                                    stated above and submit 8 true paper                    Secretary to the Commission.                           the Commission may also be obtained
                                                    copies to the Office of the Secretary by                [FR Doc. 2016–01089 Filed 1–20–16; 8:45 am]            by accessing its Internet server at
                                                    noon the next day pursuant to § 210.4(f)                BILLING CODE 7020–02–P                                 http://www.usitc.gov. The public record
                                                    of the Commission’s Rules of Practice                                                                          for this investigation may be viewed on
                                                    and Procedure (19 CFR 210.4(f)).                                                                               the Commission’s electronic docket
                                                    Submissions should refer to the                         INTERNATIONAL TRADE                                    (EDIS) at http://edis.usitc.gov.
                                                    investigation number (‘‘Inv. No. 337–                   COMMISSION                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The
                                                    TA–934’’) in a prominent place on the                                                                          Office of Docket Services, U.S.
                                                    cover page and/or the first page. (See                  [Investigation No. 337–TA–983]                         International Trade Commission,
                                                    Handbook for Electronic Filing                                                                                 telephone (202) 205–1802.
                                                    Procedures, http://www.usitc.gov/                       Certain Laser-Driven Light Sources,
                                                    secretary/fed_reg_notices/rules/                        Subsystems Containing Laser-Driven                       Authority: The authority for institution of
                                                                                                                                                                   this investigation is contained in section 337
                                                    handbook_on_electronic_filing.pdf).                     Light Sources, and Products                            of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and
                                                    Persons with questions regarding filing                 Containing Same; Institution of                        in section 210.10 of the Commission’s Rules
                                                    should contact the Secretary (202–205–                  Investigation                                          of Practice and Procedure, 19 CFR 210.10
                                                    2000).                                                                                                         (2015).
                                                       Any person desiring to submit a                      AGENCY: U.S. International Trade
                                                    document to the Commission in                           Commission.                                               Scope of Investigation: Having
                                                    confidence must request confidential                    ACTION: Notice.                                        considered the complaint, the U.S.
                                                    treatment. All such requests should be                                                                         International Trade Commission, on
                                                    directed to the Secretary to the                        SUMMARY:    Notice is hereby given that a              January 14, 2016, ordered that—
                                                    Commission and must include a full                      complaint was filed with the U.S.                         (1) Pursuant to subsection (b) of
                                                    statement of the reasons why the                        International Trade Commission on                      section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
                                                    Commission should grant such                            December 15, 2015, under section 337 of                amended, an investigation be instituted
                                                    treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents                  the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19                 to determine whether there is a
                                                    for which confidential treatment by the                 U.S.C. 1337, on behalf of Energetiq                    violation of subsection (a)(1)(B) of
                                                    Commission is properly sought will be                   Technology, Inc. of Woburn,                            section 337 in the importation into the
                                                    treated accordingly. A redacted non-                    Massachusetts. A supplement to the                     United States, the sale for importation,
                                                    confidential version of the document                    complaint was filed on December 23,                    or the sale within the United States after
                                                    must also be filed simultaneously with                  2015. The complaint, as supplemented,                  importation of certain laser-driven light
                                                    any confidential filing. All non-                       alleges violations of section 337 based                sources, subsystems containing laser-
                                                    confidential written submissions will be                upon the importation into the United                   driven light sources, and products
                                                    available for public inspection at the                  States, the sale for importation, and the              containing same by reason of
                                                    Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.                    sale within the United States after                    infringement of one or more of claims
                                                       On October 21, 2015, Nobel filed a                   importation of certain laser-driven light              1–3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 26, and 29 of the
                                                    motion to amend the Administrative                      sources, subsystems containing laser-                  ’841 patent; claims 1–6 and 15–18 of the
                                                    Protective Order (‘‘APO’’) issued in this               driven light sources, and products                     ’000 patent; and claims 1, 6, 8, 13, 15,
                                                    investigation to add specific provisions                containing same by reason of                           20, 21, and 25 of the ’786 patent, and
                                                    permitting the use of discovery from                    infringement of certain claims of U.S.                 whether an industry in the United
                                                    this investigation in two co-pending                    Patent No. 8,969,841 (‘‘the ’841 patent’’);            States exists as required by subsection
                                                    proceedings in the U.S. Patent and                      U.S. Patent No. 9,048,000 (‘‘the ’000                  (a)(2) of section 337;
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Trademark Office captioned as                           patent’’); and U.S. Patent No. 9,185,786                  (2) For the purpose of the
                                                    Instradent USA, Inc. v. Nobel Biocare                   (‘‘the ’786 patent’’). The complaint                   investigation so instituted, the following
                                                    Services AG, IPR2015–01784, and                         further alleges that an industry in the                are hereby named as parties upon which
                                                    Instradent USA, Inc. v. Nobel Biocare                   United States exists as required by                    this notice of investigation shall be
                                                    Services AG, IPR2015–01786. On                          subsection (a)(2) of section 337.                      served:
                                                    November 2, 2015, Respondents and the                      The complainant requests that the                      (a) The complainant is: Energetiq
                                                    IA filed oppositions to Nobel’s motion.                 Commission institute an investigation                  Technology, Inc., 7 Constitution Way,
                                                    On November 12, 2015, Nobel filed a                     and, after the investigation, issue a                  Woburn, MA 01801.


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Document Created: 2018-02-02 12:34:11
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 12:34:11
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
ContactMegan M. Valentine, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 708-2301. Copies of non- confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation are or will be available for inspection during official business hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server at http:// www.usitc.gov. The public record for this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at http://edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.
FR Citation81 FR 3471 

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