Glass for Your Phone Screen: Feds Probe Patent Copycats in Trade War
Published Date: 3/7/2025
Notice
Summary
A company has asked the U.S. government to investigate certain glass pieces used in LCD screens because they believe their patents are being copied. This could lead to stopping some imports and sales in the U.S., affecting businesses that make or sell these glass parts. The investigation started early 2025 and could change how these products are made or sold, possibly impacting prices and availability.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible U.S. Import and Sales Ban
If you import, resell, or sell glass substrates for LCD screens in the United States, a complaint filed January 31, 2025 (supplemented February 3, 2025) seeks a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. Those orders could stop some imports and sales of the accused glass substrates and products containing them in the U.S.
Manufacturing Methods Could Be Barred
The complaint alleges infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,851,394; 8,642,491; and 8,640,498 covering certain glass substrates and methods for manufacturing them. The complainant requests orders that could force manufacturers in the U.S. to stop using the accused manufacturing methods or face enforcement action.
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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.
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