Certain Mobile Devices with Hardware and Software for Exchanging Electronic Content; Inv. No. 337-TA-1520

The Commission instituted a Section 337 investigation based on GG Technologies, Inc. d/b/a StayTouch's complaint against Apple Inc. concerning alleged infringement of claims 1-3 and 13-17 of U.S. Patent No. 12,022,369. The accused products are mobile wireless devices, including watches and phones, that can automatically initiate contact information exchange when brought near another similarly equipped device. The investigation targets proximity-based content and contact-sharing functionality in major consumer mobile devices, including smartphones and smartwatches. Because Apple is the sole named respondent, any exclusion or cease-and-desist remedy could have significant market implications for imported Apple mobile devices and related sharing features. Complainant GG Technologies, Inc. d/b/a StayTouch alleges Apple violates Section 337 through importation and sale of accused mobile devices that infringe the ’369 patent. The asserted patent claims are claims 1-3 and 13-17 of U.S. Patent No. 12,022,369. The Commission directed the ALJ to hold an early evidentiary hearing and issue an early initial determination within 100 days on the economic prong of domestic industry.