ITC Blocks Patent-Violating Icemakers at Border
Published Date: 2/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that some imported icemaking machines and parts broke patent rules owned by Hoshizaki America. Because of this, those products will be blocked from entering the U.S., and sellers must stop selling them here. A special bond of 49% of the product’s value will be held during a review period, making sure the rules are followed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Import Ban on Certain Ice Machines
The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a limited exclusion order (LEO) that prohibits the importation into the United States of certain icemaking machines and components that infringe claims 1, 3, 6, 7, and 19 of U.S. Patent No. 10,107,538; claims 1 and 10 of U.S. Patent No. 10,113,785; and claims 1, 5, and 9 of U.S. Patent No. 10,458,692. The Commission's final determination finding a violation was voted on February 13, 2025, and the investigation is terminated.
U.S. Sellers Must Stop Selling Products
The Commission issued cease and desist orders (CDOs) requiring the respondent (Bluenix) to stop selling the infringing icemaking machines and components within the United States. Sellers of the covered products in the U.S. must cease sales of the products found to infringe the listed patent claims.
49% Bond Required During Review
During the period of Presidential review under 19 U.S.C. 1337(j), a bond equal to forty-nine percent (49%) of the entered value of any excluded products must be posted for products imported during that review period. The Commission set the bond amount at 49% of entered value to cover imports of the excluded products while the Presidential review is ongoing.
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