Feds Freeze Out Patent-Copying Ice Machines at the Border
Published Date: 2/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that some companies broke the rules by selling ice machines and parts that copy patented technology. Because of this, those products will be blocked from entering the U.S., and the companies must stop selling them here. A bond equal to 49% of the product’s value will be held during the review, making sure everyone plays fair and respects patents.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Imports Blocked by Limited Exclusion Order
The Commission issued a limited exclusion order (LEO) blocking certain icemaking machines and components that infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 10,107,538; 10,113,785; and 10,458,692 from entering the United States. If you import these specific products, they will be denied entry under the LEO.
U.S. Sales Halted by Cease-and-Desist Orders
The Commission issued cease and desist orders (CDOs) requiring respondents to stop importing, selling for importation, and selling in the United States certain infringing icemaking machines and components. Companies covered by the orders must stop selling those patented products in the U.S.
49% Bond Required During Presidential Review
A bond equal to forty-nine percent (49%) of the entered value of the excluded products must be posted and held during the period of Presidential review under 19 U.S.C. 1337(j). Importers of the excluded products will need to secure that bond while the review is ongoing.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17011, Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has received a complaint entitled Certain Electronic Devices with Certain Audio Technologies, DN 3931; the Commission is soliciting comments on any public interest issues raised by the complaint or complainant's filing pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
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.
2026-16848, Silicon Metal From Australia and Norway; Determinations
2026-16905, Certain Transformers and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation
A company called Ayr Energy says some transformers and their parts imported into the U.S. are using stolen secrets and fake branding, which could hurt American businesses. The U.S. International Trade Commission is now investigating and might stop these products from being sold here. This could lead to new rules and orders soon, affecting companies selling these transformers and possibly changing what’s on store shelves.
2026-16816, Hand Trucks and Certain Parts Thereof From China; Determination
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02827, Laminated Woven Sacks From China
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided to keep special taxes on laminated woven sacks from China because removing them could hurt American businesses. This means importers will still pay extra fees, protecting U.S. manufacturers from unfair competition. The decision was finalized in February 2025 and affects companies dealing with these sacks right now and in the near future.
Next: 2025-02830, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Relocation of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas
The VA plans to build a brand-new, huge hospital in San Antonio to replace the old Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital, serving about 140,000 Veterans. They’re getting ready to study how this move might affect the environment and want your thoughts! This big project will take time and money, so stay tuned for updates and chances to share your ideas.