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The International Trade Commission is requesting public input about a recent ruling from an administrative law judge regarding a potential trade violation. The ruling involves certain dermatological treatment devices and could lead to import restrictions on companies from South Korea, the United States, and Israel if a violation is confirmed. The Commission is focusing on how these potential measures would affect public welfare, competition, and consumers in the U.S. The public and government agencies can submit their views on these issues by January 20, 2025.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has received a complaint from One World Technologies Inc. and Techtronic Power Tools Technology Ltd., claiming that certain imported batteries and products infringe on their U.S. patents. The complaint involves several Shenzhen-based Chinese companies and requests an investigation and potential restrictions on imports found to be infringing. The investigation will determine if U.S. patent laws were violated and if an industry exists that is impacted by these imports. If violations are confirmed, the Commission may issue orders to stop the import and sale of these products in the U.S.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a final rule to extend import restrictions on certain archaeological materials from Jordan until January 14, 2030. This extension follows an agreement with Jordan and an exchange of diplomatic notes. These restrictions, first established in a 2020 agreement, aim to protect Jordan’s cultural heritage by preventing illicit imports of materials dating from the Paleolithic period to the Ottoman era. The rule is enacted immediately and exempt from the usual notice or public procedure due to its foreign affairs nature.

The State Department has received a request from the Government of Vietnam seeking U.S. help to protect Vietnam's cultural heritage. This request, made under a UNESCO convention from 1970, seeks to impose U.S. restrictions on the import of certain Vietnamese archaeological and ethnological materials. These materials are significant to Vietnam's cultural heritage, and more information will be provided to the public for comment. The document published is a formal notice of this request.

The State Department has announced a proposal to extend the cultural agreement known as the "Chile Agreement" between the United States and Chile. This agreement involves import restrictions on certain archaeological materials from Chile to protect cultural heritage. For those seeking more information, the proposal and related documents can be accessed on the Cultural Heritage Center's website. Allison R. Davis Lehmann is the Executive Director of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee responsible for this announcement.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has decided to issue a General Exclusion Order (GEO). This order stops the unlicensed importation of certain foldable reusable drinking straws and accessories that infringe on specific claims of a U.S. patent. The investigation that led to this was initiated by The Final Co. LLC and involved several companies from China. The order means that any imports that break this patent cannot enter the U.S. without a license, and the investigation on this matter is now closed.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has added Nicaragua to its list of regions affected by screwworm, a pest that can harm animals. This action was taken after screwworm was confirmed in Nicaragua in March 2024. As a result, animals such as horses, ruminants, swine, and dogs coming from Nicaragua must comply with specific import restrictions to prevent the pest from entering the United States. These measures include inspection and treatment requirements detailed in federal regulations.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has made a preliminary decision that certain corrosion-resistant steel products from the United Arab Emirates are being sold in the U.S. at prices below fair value. This investigation, covering a period from July 2023 to June 2024, aims to assess and handle these imports with stricter measures, including a cash deposit requirement and suspension of entry liquidation. Interested parties are invited to submit comments before a final determination is made, which has been postponed and extended to allow further investigation.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has decided to start an advisory opinion proceeding related to certain foam footwear. This involves a case where Crocs, Inc. accused Double Diamond Distribution Ltd. of patent infringement. After a series of legal actions, Double Diamond requested a quick advisory opinion to find out if their Original Beach DAWGS shoes with plastic washers are subject to existing import restrictions. The ITC will issue a decision about this within 90 days.

The Department of State has announced the receipt of a request from the Government of Albania. This request, made under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, seeks the United States' help in restricting the import of certain cultural items to protect Albania's archaeological and ethnological materials. More information on this request and the U.S.'s role in the UNESCO Convention can be found on the Cultural Heritage Center's website.