Leviton Manufacturing Co., the Melville, N.Y., producer of electrical and electronic wiring devices and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), announced the International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a general exclusion order, “prohibiting the unlicensed importation of infringing ground-fault circuit interrupters and products containing same.” In addition, the ITC issued several cease and desist orders prohibiting the sale of GFCIs already in the United States that infringe Leviton U.S. Patent No. 7,737,809.

“We are hopeful that this decision brings an end to importation of infringing GFCIs. Due to the nature of the product, it is important that both commercial and residential consumers be confident that the GFCIs available in the market are legitimate, lawful product,” said Meir Blonder, chief intellectual property counsel, Leviton Manufacturing Co.

The general exclusion order not only brings an end to the unlawful activity of the parties accused at the ITC but prohibits all entities from importing such infringing GFCIs.

 Leviton offers a variety of GFCI devices to provide protection from electrical incidents in homes, offices, construction sites or anywhere electrical products are in damp or wet locations. All Leviton GFCI products conform to the latest industry standards as outlined by OSHA, UL, CSA, the National Electrical Code and others.