Federal Trade War Erupts Over Patented Pee Splash Guards
Published Date: 1/13/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is starting an investigation into certain urine splash guards and their parts because For Kids By Parents, Inc. says some imported products are breaking their patents. This could lead to stopping those products from being sold in the U.S., affecting importers and sellers soon. The investigation kicks off in January 2025 and might change what splash guards you see in stores.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Respondents Must Answer Within 20 Days
The named respondents must submit responses to the complaint in accordance with 19 CFR 210.13, and responses will be considered if received not later than 20 days after service by the complainant. If a respondent fails to file a timely response, that failure may be deemed a waiver and could lead to findings and issuance of exclusion or cease and desist orders without further notice.
Investigation Could Block Imports
The complainant asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to issue a general exclusion order, a limited exclusion order, or cease and desist orders after the investigation. If the Commission grants those remedies, certain imported urine splash guards and components could be stopped from being imported into or sold in the United States.
Specific Product Category Under Review
The Commission defined the accused products as "a flat sheet of flexible material, a portion of which is divided into a plurality of attachment tabs, to be fashioned and, with the aid of an adhesive compound applied to the attachment tabs, affixed to the underside of a toilet seat to prevent urine egress through a gap between the toilet seat and toilet bowl." Products matching this description are the subject of the investigation.
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