MOC calls for fairness in US probe of ZTE

The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Tuesday that it hopes a patent investigation by the US into Chinese electronics producer ZTE is not just an excuse for "trade protectionism," and called for a fair investigation process and ruling.

The US International Trade Commission (USITC) launched a patent probe on Thursday into five electronics producers - Shenzhen-based ZTE, Taiwan's Amtran Technology, Japan-based Panasonic and Toshiba, and US company Vizio.

The companies are accused of violating Section 337 of the US Tariff Act. MOC said that ZTE will respond actively to the case.

Between 2002 and 2012, Chinese companies were named as defendants in many patent investigations, with 90 cases having reached a ruling so far.

China responded to 82 of the 90 cases, with 39 being settled privately, 10 being withdrawn and the other 13 ruling in favor of Chinese companies, according to MOC.

The ministry said that patent investigations are becoming a new form of trade protectionism.

The current investigation is based on a complaint by US firm Graphics Properties Holdings on May 17.

The company claimed that devices produced by the five companies infringed on its patents and requested a ban on US imports of the devices.

This is not the first time that ZTE has faced a Section 337 investigation. In August last year, the USITC launched such an investigation into wireless-enabled electronic devices from various countries, with ZTE and Huawei both on the list.