THE ITC IS HERE TO STAY: A DEFENSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION’S ROLE IN PATENT LAW

The International Trade Commission (ITC) is a quasi-judicial federal agency that is responsible for investigating unfair trade practices. Although the ITC is widely believed to be an expert court in patent law, it is often criticized for its role in the field. This Note advances a novel analysis of the overlooked contributions of the ITC to the development and enforcement of patent law. By exploring the background of the ITC, the procedural advantages it offers, and the ways it substantively enriches patent law doctrine, this Note concludes that the ITC is an important player in patent law.