Comcast Import Ban Highlights Trade Commission’s Patent Reach

A Federal Circuit decision in a fight between Comcast Corp. and Rovi Corp. could drive more patent owners to turn to a federal trade agency when enforcing their patents against U.S. companies.

The U.S. International Trade Commission didn’t overstep its authority when it banned the importation of certain Comcast television set-top boxes in a patent infringement dispute with Rovi, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found last week.

The ruling validates the ITC’s interpretation of its own regulations, confirming the agency can stop imports of products that are brought by suppliers and that don’t infringe until combined ...