ITC Issues Limited Exclusion Order on Softball and Baseball Bats
The International Trade Commission issued a limited exclusion order on baseball and softball bats manufactured or imported by Proton Sports of Scottsdale, Arizona, and a cease and desist order against Proton, it said in a notice released Nov. 3.
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The decision, which also ends the investigation (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1283), follows a September 2021 complaint by Easton Diamond Sports, which alleged Juno Athletics, Monsta Athletics and Proton had imported composite, multiwalled bats that infringed on one of Easton's patents. In April, the ITC found Proton in default for failure to respond to the complaint. In July, Easton settled with Juno and withdrew the complaint with regard to Monsta, leaving Proton as the sole respondent. After considering further arguments from Easton and statements by the public, the ITC determined to issue the exclusion order and cease and desist orders Nov. 1.