USITC probes Samsung, Apple, Google over audio tech patent claims

Key facts

• The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated an investigation into Samsung Electronics, Apple, and Google.
• The probe concerns alleged patent infringement related to electronic devices with specific audio technologies.
• The complaint was filed by California-based BoomCloud 360 Inc.
• BoomCloud 360 Inc. claims infringement of three of its patents.
• The company is seeking an import ban and sales restriction orders for the products in question.
• Samsung, Apple, and Google must respond to the complaint within 20 days of receiving notice.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. federal trade agency announced Wednesday that it has launched an investigation into Samsung Electronics Co., Apple, and Google. The probe is centered on allegations of patent infringement concerning electronic devices that utilize specific audio technologies. The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) detailed the investigation on its website following a complaint filed last month by BoomCloud 360 Inc., a company based in California. BoomCloud 360 Inc. asserts that the audio technologies featured in devices from the tech giants infringe upon certain claims of three patents held by the complainant. The firm has requested that the USITC issue an order to prohibit the importation of the implicated products and to bar their sale and distribution within the United States. Samsung, Apple, and Google are required to submit their responses to the complaint within 20 days of receiving the official notice of investigation.