Sony agreed to pay SRS Labs $900,000 to settle a dispute over virtual-surround sound audio technology, SRS said in an SEC filing. Sony also will license three SRS patents granted between 1989-1999, including one covering a stereo enhancement system that processes a difference signal component from left and right signals to create a broader stereo image through two speakers. The dispute erupted in 2007, when Sony, an SRS customer, sued the company, saying 14 virtual surround sound patents were invalid. SRS had written Sony arguing that Sony’s S-Force technology in flat-panel TVs appeared to infringe multiple SRS patents.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing to extend and revise its CBP Form 301 (Customs Bond) for continuous and single transaction bonds.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has posted the public version of the Section 301 petition filed by the United Steelworkers Union regarding a broad array of Chinese green technology policies and practices that USW believes violate world trade rules and threaten the U.S. alternative and renewable energy sector. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/10/10 news, 10091015, for BP summary of the petition.)
On September 9, 2010, the United Steelworkers (USW) union filed a comprehensive trade case under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 identifying a broad array of Chinese green technology policies and practices that USW believes violate world trade rules and threaten the U.S. alternative and renewable energy sector.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is sending a proposed information collection to the Office of Management and Budget for review. CPSC is proposing a three year extension of an information collection codified at 16 CFR Part 1019, which establishes procedures for the export of non-complying, misbranded, or banned products.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted a draft version of its final interpretive rule that would add a new 16 CFR Part 1200 on the term "children’s product" as used in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). It also provides additional guidance on the factors that are considered when evaluating what is a children’s product.1
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a final rule, effective August 26, 2010, making corrections to various parts of 19 CFR as part of its policy to periodically review its regulations to ensure that they are as accurate and up-to-date as possible so that the importing and general public are aware of CBP programs, requirements, and procedures regarding import-related activities.
On July 30, 2010, Representative Critz (D) and two co-sponsors1 introduced H.R. 6007, the Trade Enforcement Priorities Act, to amend 19 USC 2420 to strengthen provisions relating to the identification of U.S. trade expansion priorities.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requesting comments on a proposed extension and revision of an information collection that would revise CBP Form 301 in order to accurately reflect the changes that have occurred with regard to CBP bonds.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection invites comments on an information collection concerning, among other things, the proposed revision of CBP Form 301 in order to accurately reflect the changes that have occurred with regard to CBP bonds. The revised Form 301 will capture the new types of bonds which have been authorized, as well as better harmonize this form with current and future automation system requirements. Comments are due by October 18, 2010.