US trade agency to investigate Apple's patent complaint

The US International Trade Commission will investigate complaints by Apple that Eastman Kodak violated its patents related to digital imaging devices and software, the latest dispute in a long-standing patent skirmish between the two companies. Apple filed a so-called section 337 complaint against Kodak on April 15, alleging that the company had violated its patents related to digital imaging devices and associated software. In the complaint, Apple asked the USITC to bar Kodak from importing products containing the technology into the U.S. The USITC announced late Thursday it would investigate the complaint by Apple. U.S. companies alleging patent infringement by competitors often file section 337 complaints in addition to filing lawsuits. Many section 337 complaints result in a settlement. Apple's complaint against Kodak came after the USITC, in February, voted to investigate a complaint filed by Kodak against Apple and Research In Motion. In that case, which is still pending before the USITC, Kodak alleged that Apple and RIM violated patents related to mobile phone and other devices containing digital cameras.