Feds Probe Ban on Patent-Violating Disposable Vape Devices
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is asking the public and government agencies to share their thoughts on a possible ban of certain disposable vape devices that might be breaking patent rules. If the ban happens, it could stop these vapes from being sold or imported into the U.S., affecting companies and consumers. Comments are open now, so anyone interested should speak up before the Commission makes a final decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Cease-and-Desist Orders Against Named Sellers
The Commission's recommended relief includes cease-and-desist orders directed to named companies (for example, Maduro Distributors Inc. d/b/a The Loon; American Vape Company, LLC; Shenzhen Kangvape Technology Co., Ltd.; and others). If the Commission finds a violation and issues those orders, the listed firms could be barred from importing or selling the specified disposable vaporizer devices in the United States.
Possible Ban on Certain Disposable Vapes
The U.S. International Trade Commission is considering a general exclusion order that would bar certain disposable vaporizer devices that allegedly infringe claims 4 and 12 of U.S. Patent No. 11,925,202 from being imported into or sold in the United States. The ALJ issued an Initial Determination on August 29, 2025 and a Recommended Determination on remedy and bonding on September 12, 2025; the Commission is asking for public comments (due December 1, 2025) on how such an exclusion would affect public health, U.S. consumers, and competition.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10138 — Oil Country Tubular Goods From Austria, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates; Determinations
The U.S. government found that imports of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Austria, Taiwan, and the UAE might be hurting American businesses by being sold too cheaply or unfairly supported by foreign governments. Because of this, they’re moving forward with a deeper investigation that could lead to new rules or tariffs to protect U.S. companies. If you’re in the oil or steel business, keep an eye out—changes could affect prices and trade soon.
2026-10133 — Quartz Surface Products
The U.S. International Trade Commission looked into whether quartz surface products imported into the country are hurting American businesses. After investigating, they sent a report to the President on May 18, 2026, to help decide if any trade actions are needed. This affects U.S. quartz product makers and could lead to changes in import rules or tariffs soon.
2026-10150 — Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof I; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
The U.S. International Trade Commission is asking the public for their thoughts on a possible ban and stop orders for certain ink cartridges and parts linked to companies like Mountain Peak and Straightouttaink. If the ban happens, it could affect businesses and consumers who use these products, with decisions coming soon. This is your chance to speak up before any changes take effect!
2026-10215 — Certain Electronic Eyewear Products, Components Thereof, and Related Charging Apparatuses (II); Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Finding the Remaining Respondent in Default; Request for Written Submissions on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
The U.S. International Trade Commission says MyW Technology, a Chinese company, missed their chance to respond in a patent dispute over electronic eyewear and related gadgets. Now, the Commission is asking for ideas on how to fix the problem, protect the public, and handle money matters. This could lead to changes in what products can be sold in the U.S. soon, affecting companies and shoppers alike.
2026-10080 — Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar From Algeria; Closure of Investigation
The investigation into steel concrete reinforcing bars from Algeria is officially closed because Algeria isn’t considered a country that gives unfair subsidies. This means no extra duties or taxes will be added to these steel bars from Algeria. Importers and businesses can keep trading without new fees starting March 27, 2026.
2026-09984 — Certain Preserved Mushrooms from Chile, China, India, and Indonesia; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is speeding up its check on whether to keep or drop special duties on preserved mushrooms from Chile, China, India, and Indonesia. This affects mushroom importers and U.S. producers, with decisions expected soon to protect American businesses from unfair pricing. The review started on May 8, 2026, and could impact prices and trade rules.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20478 — Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Railroad Retirement Board wants your thoughts on how they collect important work and pay info from railroad employers. They’re checking if the current forms and process work well or need tweaks to make things easier and clearer. This helps make sure railroad workers and their families get the right benefits on time, with no extra hassle or cost.
Next: 2025-20480 — ICE Clear Credit LLC; Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Grant or Deny an Application for Registration as a Clearing Agency Under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
ICE Clear Credit LLC wants to become an official clearing agency for U.S. Treasury securities, which means they’d help make sure trades are safe and smooth. The SEC is now reviewing their application and deciding if they should approve or deny it, with a decision expected within about 90 days. This affects traders and financial markets, and could change how Treasury trades get processed, but no money changes hands yet.