ITC Launches Probe into Patent-Busting Foreign Chips
Published Date: 3/26/2025
Notice
Summary
A complaint was filed against certain foreign-made semiconductor devices and their parts for breaking U.S. patent rules. This affects companies importing or selling these chips in the U.S., with possible bans and legal actions coming soon. The investigation started in early 2025 and could lead to big changes in who can sell these products and when.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible Import Ban via Exclusion Order
If you import certain foreign-fabricated semiconductor devices or components into the U.S., the complainants (Longitude Licensing Ltd. and Marlin Semiconductor Ltd.) asked the ITC on February 18, 2025 (supplemented February 21 and March 10, 2025) to seek a limited exclusion order. The request alleges infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,745,847; 9,093,473; 9,147,747; 9,184,292; and 9,953,880 and could bar importation of the accused products after the investigation.
Cease-and-Desist Orders Could Stop U.S. Sales
If you sell these accused foreign-fabricated semiconductor devices or products containing them within the United States, the complainants requested that the ITC issue cease and desist orders after its investigation. Those orders could require companies to stop selling the accused products in the U.S. based on the same patents listed in the complaint.
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