Maxell Investigates Patent-Pilfering Mobile Devices in U.S.
Published Date: 1/23/2025
Notice
Summary
Maxell, a company from Japan, has asked the U.S. government to investigate certain mobile electronic devices that might be using their patented technology without permission. This could lead to some devices being blocked from entering or selling in the U.S. soon, which might shake up the market and affect companies selling these gadgets. The investigation started after complaints filed in late 2024 and early 2025, so changes could happen pretty quickly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to block imports via exclusion order
The complainant asked the Commission to issue a limited exclusion order that would block importation of certain mobile electronic devices alleged to infringe six named U.S. patents (including U.S. Patent Nos. 8,130,280; 11,490,004; 11,750,915; 11,509,953; 12,108,103; and 11,445,241). This request followed filings on December 17, 2024 and supplements on December 26, 2024 and January 6, 2025.
Request to stop U.S. sales with cease and desist order
The complainant also requested that the Commission issue a cease and desist order that would require companies to stop selling certain accused mobile electronic devices within the United States. That request was included in filings made December 17, 2024 and supplemented December 26, 2024 and January 6, 2025.
ITC investigation opened into mobile devices
A complaint was filed at the U.S. International Trade Commission on December 17, 2024 (with supplements on December 26, 2024 and January 6, 2025) asking the Commission to investigate certain mobile electronic devices for patent infringement. The complaint alleges importation, sale for importation, and sale within the United States after importation of these devices infringing specific U.S. patents.
Six specific U.S. patents asserted
The complaint identifies six U.S. patents asserted against the accused devices: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,130,280; 11,490,004; 11,750,915; 11,509,953; 12,108,103; and 11,445,241. Companies whose products practice claims of these patents are the focus of the requested remedies.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17046, Certain Wireless Communications Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
Notice is hereby given that on August 14, 2026, the presiding administrative law judge ("ALJ") issued an Initial Determination on Violation of Section 337. The ALJ also issued a Recommended Determination on remedy and bonding should a violation be found in the above-captioned investigation. The Commission is soliciting submissions on public interest issues raised by the recommended relief should the Commission find a violation. This notice is soliciting comments from the public and interested government agencies only.
2026-17011, Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
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2026-16811, Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof II; Notice of a Commission Determination Finding a Violation Under Section 337; Issuance of a General Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of the Investigation
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to find a violation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and to issue a general exclusion order ("GEO") prohibiting the importation of products that infringe claims 1 and 7 of each of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,764,172 ("the '172 patent"); 9,370,934 ("the '934 patent"); 11,535,038 ("the '038 patent"); 12,240,248 ("the '248 patent"); and 12,240,249 ("the '249 patent"); and cease and desist orders ("CDOs") against respondents Mountain Peak, Inc. and Straightouttaink, LP. The investigation is terminated.
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