In a statement published on Tuesday, the U.S. International Trade Commission announced it has agreed to investigate a complaint from software maker VirnetX, which asserts that certain Apple wireless-enabled devices infringe its patents.
Source: VirnetX
As noted by CNET, VirnetX, an internet security and technology company based in Zephyr Cove, NV, filed the complaint in September, leveraging an invention which covers a method of securely connecting two computers over a wireless network against Apple's iPhone, iPad and Mac models .
According to the ITC statement, VirnetX is seeking an import ban of offending Apple products, suggesting the company may be looking to reach some sort of settlement agreement out of court.
In a recent press release, the software company announced that patent infringement suits are also being leveled against Apple, Cisco, Avaya and Siemens, with Apple's trial slated to begin jury selection on Oct. 29, to be followed by a jury trial on Oct. 31. The remaining companies are scheduled to begin jury selection in March of 2013.
As for the ITC investigation, the body's Chief Administrative Law Judge has yet to assign the case to one of its six administrative law judges. Upon assignment, the ALJ will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing and make an initial determination as to whether a violation occurred. The initial determination is subject to review by the ITC Commission.
As of this writing, there is no due date set for final determination, but the ITC will set a target date for completion within 45 days of starting the investigation.