US to Probe Nintendo Over Alleged Patent Violations

The U.S. International Trade Commission said it has decided to launch a probe into 24 manufacturers, including Nintendo Co. and Kyocera Corp, for alleged patent violations in connection with wireless consumer electronics devices and components, Kyodo News reported Wednesday.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed July by three California-based manufacturers, the semi-judiciary trade body said in a statement.

The three companies call on the commission to "issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders" on the wireless devices in question, the statement said.

The wireless devices and components are used for such products as smartphones and electronic tablets. The 24 manufacturers also include companies in Canada, China, the Switzerland, South Korea and Taiwan.

The USITC is expected to set a target date for completing the investigation within 45 days after the launch of the probe and it will make a final determination in the investigation.

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