Apple (AAPL), Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) Google, and Samsung Electronics are under investigation by the US International Trade Commission over their use of certain audio technologies, the US government agency said Wednesday.

The commission voted to launch the probe following a complaint filed last year by California-based BoomCloud 360 alleging violations of the 1930 Tariff Act via the importation into the US of electronic devices with audio technologies that infringe on its patents, the agency said.

BoomCloud 360 has demanded that the commission issue cease and desist orders, the ITC said.

An administrative judge will schedule a hearing to evaluate the evidence and whether to proceed, and the commission will issue a target date for completion of the procedure within 45 days, the agency said.

Apple, Google, and Samsung did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.