Along with Via (Taipei, Taiwan), companies named in the investigation were Via's U.S. subsidiary in Fremont, Calif., First International Computer of America Inc. (Fremont) and Everex Systems Inc. (Fremont), and First International Computer Inc. (Taipei).

The ITC said its investigation would focus on interface chip sets between MPUs and peripherals such as memory and graphics controllers. Industry observers said Intel (Santa Clara, Calif.) is seeking to halt sales of some Via core logic products. Intel has filed patent-infringement complaints against Via and its customers contending that the Taiwanese manufacturer is improperly using Intel's P6 front-side bus in many of its current chip sets.

An Intel spokesman said the company filed the complaint with the ITC to block productsthat infringe its patents. The spokesman said Intel remains open to a settlement.

The Tuesday vote means the U.S. investigation will be referred to an ITC administrative law judge who will hold an evidentiary hearing on Intel's complaint. The judge must then determine whether there is a violation of U.S. trade laws. The judge's ruling is subject to review by the Commission.

The ITC said it would set a date within 45 days for completing the investigation.