US Bans Chinese Injection Mold Parts Over Patent Violations
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is blocking certain parts for injection molding machines made by Ningbo AO Sheng Mold Co. (AOSIMI) from entering the U.S. because they violated patent rules. This means AOSIMI can’t sell these parts or products containing them in the U.S. anymore, and the investigation into this issue is now officially over. Companies using these parts should watch for changes soon, as this could impact their supply and costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
100% bond required during Presidential review
The Commission determined that, during the period of Presidential review under 19 U.S.C. 1337(j), the bond for the imported articles subject to the LEO shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the entered value of those imported articles. This bond requirement was included in the Commission's determination issued April 15, 2025.
Imports of AOSIMI parts barred
The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a limited exclusion order (LEO) on April 15, 2025, that bars the unlicensed entry into the United States of certain components for injection molding machines and products containing those components by or on behalf of Ningbo AO Sheng Mold Co., Ltd., d/b/a AOSIMI. The investigation (Investigation No. 337-TA-1427) is terminated following that determination.
No cease-and-desist order issued
Although the complainants requested a cease and desist order (CDO) against AOSIMI, the Commission determined not to issue the requested CDO because there was a lack of evidence or allegations that AOSIMI maintains commercially significant inventories or engages in significant commercial operations in the United States. Chair Karpel disagreed and supported issuance of a CDO, but the Commission did not issue one.
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