U.S. to probe Fitbit, Garmin, other wearable devices after Philips complains (updated)

Inventec

10/01/2020 17:33

(Adds details on complaint, background)
    WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - U.S. trade regulators said on
Friday they will investigate wearable monitoring devices,
including those made by Fitbit Inc  FIT.N  and Garmin Ltd
 GRMN.O , following allegations of  patent violations by rival
Koninklijke Philips  PHG.AS  and its North America unit.
    The U.S. International Trade Commission, in a statement,
said the probe would also look at devices by made by
California-based Ingram Micro Inc as well as China-based Maintek
Computer Co Ltd and Inventec Appliances. 
    Netherlands-based Philips and Philips North America LLC, in
their complaint, are calling for tariffs or an import ban and
allege the other companies have infringed on Philips' patents or
otherwise misappropriated its intellectual property. 
    Wearable activity trackers have gained popularity among
consumers seeking to track their physical activity and other
health metrics. The January announcement also comes at a time
when a number of people set new year resolutions.
    Representatives for the companies could not be immediately
reached for comment. 
    Although the USITC agreed to launch an investigation, it
said it "has not yet made any decision on the merits of the
case" and would make its determination "at the earliest
practicable time."

 (Reporting by Susan Heavey and David Lawder; Editing by Richard
Chang)
 ((202-898-8300; Reuters Messaging:
susan.heavey.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))