US investigates mobile device makers

Samsung, Nokia, ZTE and Huawei are in the sights of the United States International Trade Commission after a patent complaint from an American company.

The USITC will investigate the four global mobile device makers after InterDigital Communications alleged its 3G and 4G wireless patents had been infringed.

According to the USITC, "the products at issue in this investigation are cellular mobile telephones including smartphones, cellular PC cards, cellular USB dongles or sticks, personal computers such as laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablets and other mobile internet devices with cellular capabilities, cellular access points or "hotspots" and cellular modems."

InterDigital is seeking exclusion and cease and desist orders against the four companies.

If the USITC investigation under Section 337 (pdf) of the United States Tariff Act of 1930 finds that InterDigital's patents have been infringed upon, the Commission has the powers to ban the importation of any products found to be in violation of North American law.

A decision is expected within 60 days.