According to Bloomberg, The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) stated that it has launched an investigation based on MediaTek’s patent infringement lawsuit against NXP Semiconductors.

The report pointed out that MediaTek filed a patent infringement lawsuit with ITC, requesting a ban on the import of microprocessors and sensors produced by NXP for entertainment systems and automatic navigation systems.

The defendants in the lawsuit include NXP, Avnet, Arrow Electronics, Centennial, Mouser Electronics, and Robert Bosch.

According to MediaTek’s complaint, NXP’s chips infringed five patents on its design, structure, and operation of products with power lines, temperature sensors, and wireless device signal processing.

The USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case and will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time.  Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.  

In view of the current global chip shortage, Continental reported to ITC that if MediaTek wins the lawsuit, most American car production will be suspended for at least one year.