WASHINGTON - The US International Trade Commission (USITC) on Thursday initiated a Section 337 investigation into wireless devices from four communications companies based in South Korea, Finland and China for patent infringement.

The probe is based on a complaint filed by InterDigital Communications of King of Prussia and other three US companies in early January, the USITC said in a statement.

Four telecom companies -- South Korea's Samsung, Finland's Nokia as well as ZTE and Huawei from China -- are involved in the probe.

The complainant accused these companies of infringing its patents related to wireless devices with 3G and/or 4G capabilities, and requested an exclusion order and cease and desist orders, according to the federal bipartisan panel.

Within 45 days the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.

Should the complaint be approved, the panel will issue remedial orders, such as a ban on importation of accused products.

The United States has launched similar investigations against Chinese products in recent months. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.

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