ITC Modifies Filing Procedures Due To COVID-19

On March 16, 2019, the ITC implemented a temporary change to filing procedures in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The accompanying notice stated that the ITC will temporarily waive and amend its rules that require the filing of paper copies, CD-ROMs, and other physical media in section 337 investigations. All filings, including new complaints, will be done electronically instead. This is the first time the ITC has permitted electronic filing of new complaints. Waiver and amendment of these rules will mitigate disruption to section 337 investigations in the event that the USITC building becomes inaccessible.

Citing Section 201.4(b) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, the ITC noted that it may amend, waive, suspend, or revoke Commission rules for "good and sufficient reason" if the rule is not a matter of procedure required by law. As filing procedures are not required by law, the ITC determined that there was good and sufficient reason to waive