The ITC and RAI prevail in appeal to the CAFC

The outcome


RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc., R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (collectively “Reynolds”) filed a complaint at the International Trade Commission alleging that respondents Philip Morris Products S.A., Philip Morris USA, Inc., and Altria Client Services LLC (collectively “Philip Morris”) violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, 19 U.S.C. § 1337, through the importation and sale of tobacco products that infringed certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,901,123 and 9,930,915. After conducting a Section 337 investigation, the Commission barred Philip Morris and its affiliates from importing products infringing the asserted patents. Philip Morris appeals, contending that the Commission failed to “consult with, and seek advice and information from” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as required by Section 337. In addition, Philip Morris challenges the Commission’s determinations on public interest, domestic industry, patent validity, and infringement. For the reasons set forth below, we affirm the Commission’s decision in full.