Certain Vehicle Space Guards; Inv. No. 337-TA-1509

The Commission instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1509 based on allegations that imported vehicle space guards infringe claims 1-4, 6, 8-12, 14-16, and 18-19 of U.S. Patent No. 7,527,314. The investigation names complainant Jonathan Black Kotyk and respondents Drop Stop, LLC; The Container Store, Inc.; Walmart, Inc.; 232 Technologies Inc.; and Sportman's Market Inc. (Sporty’s), with accused products described as vehicle space guards having attachment means for car seats. This investigation targets automotive interior accessory products designed to block or fill gaps around vehicle seats, a consumer product category sold through major retail and online channels. Because the requested relief includes a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders, the case could affect importation and U.S. sales of competing vehicle gap guard products by large retailers and specialty sellers. The asserted patent is U.S. Patent No. 7,527,314, with claims 1-4, 6, 8-12, 14-16, and 18-19 placed in issue. The scope of the investigation is defined as vehicle space guards having attachment means for car seats. Respondents must answer within 20 days of service, and failure to respond may result in default findings and exclusionary or cease-and-desist relief.