Whirlpool's Patent Patrol Targets Slim Microwave-Hood Clones
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
Whirlpool has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain low-profile microwave-hood combos for patent infringement. If the claims hold up, some imports and sales of these products could be blocked, shaking up the market and possibly affecting prices. This investigation started in late 2025 and could lead to important changes for manufacturers and sellers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Imports and Sales May Be Blocked
Whirlpool asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain products and requested a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. If the Commission issues those orders after the investigation, importation into the United States, sale for importation, or sale within the United States after importation of the covered products could be blocked. The investigation was instituted on December 17, 2025.
Which Products Are Targeted
The investigation covers "low-profile, microwave oven and ventilation-hood combination products for installation over a cooking range or cooktop." The complaint asserts infringement of claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 11,079,118; 11,979,967; 12,101,865; 12,133,317; and 12,289,819 B2 (specific claim ranges are listed in the complaint).
Major Appliance Brands Named as Respondents
The notice names specific respondents alleged to be in violation, including Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America, Inc.; LG Electronics Inc. and LG Electronics USA, Inc.; Midea Group Co., Ltd. and Midea America Corporation; Haier Group Corporation and Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. (d/b/a GE Appliances); Electrolux Professional AB and Electrolux Consumer Products, Inc.; and multiple other companies and distributors. These named companies may be subject to the investigation and any exclusion or cease-and-desist orders the Commission issues.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20752, Certain Hydrodermabrasion Systems and Components Thereof; Notice of Vacatur of the Commission's Final Determination and Mootness of the Investigation by the Federal Circuit Due to Patent Expiration
The U.S. International Trade Commission's investigation into certain hydrodermabrasion systems has been canceled because the key patent expired. This affects companies like HydraFacial and Cartessa, ending any legal battles over these products. The case officially closed in March 2026, so no money penalties or import bans will happen now.
2026-20673, Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe From Czechia, Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine; Scheduling of Full Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is kicking off a full review to decide if special duties on seamless steel pipes from Czechia, Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine should stay or go. This review could impact import costs and the steel market, with decisions expected soon after a possible 90-day extension. Steel makers, importers, and users should keep an eye on this as it could affect prices and supply.
2026-20609, Oleoresin Paprika From India; Determinations
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that imports of oleoresin paprika from India are hurting American businesses because they’re being sold at unfairly low prices and getting government subsidies. This means U.S. companies like Rezolex, Ltd. Co. get some protection through trade rules starting now. Importers and sellers of this spice should expect changes that could affect prices and supply soon.
2026-20672, Certain Mobile Electronic Devices and Components Thereof; Institution of Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission is launching an investigation into certain mobile electronic devices and their parts because trinamiX Sensing LLC and trinamiX GmbH say some products are using their patented technology without permission. This could lead to orders stopping imports and sales of these devices in the U.S., affecting companies involved and possibly shaking up the market soon. The investigation started after complaints filed in September 2026 and could impact money and product availability.
2026-20614, Forged Steel Fittings From India and South Korea; Cancellation of Hearing for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission has canceled the public hearing for the review of antidumping and countervailing duties on forged steel fittings from India and South Korea. This change affects companies like Bonney Forge and related unions, who will now answer questions without a formal hearing. The cancellation speeds up the process, with no immediate money changes but keeps the review on track.
2026-20349, Railway Tank Cars and Parts Thereof From Mexico; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations and Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations
The U.S. is launching investigations to see if cheap railway tank cars and parts from Mexico are hurting American businesses. If these imports are found to be unfairly priced or subsidized, extra duties might be added to protect U.S. makers. The first big decision is due by November 16, 2026, so things are moving fast!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23515, Certain Antibody Drug Conjugates and Components Thereof and Products Containing the Same; Institution of Investigation
AbbVie and ImmunoGen have asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain antibody drug products imported into the U.S., claiming trade secrets were stolen. If the claim is true, this could lead to orders blocking these products from entering the U.S. and stopping unfair competition. This investigation started in December 2025 and could impact companies making or selling these drugs in the U.S., possibly affecting the market and money flow.
Next: 2025-23517, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Sunset Date of the Current Options Regulatory Fee (ORF) From December 31, 2025 to June 30, 2026
Cboe Exchange is keeping the current Options Regulatory Fee (ORF) at $0.0023 per contract side for six more months, extending it from December 31, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This means traders and firms using Cboe Options will keep paying the same fee through mid-2026. The change kicks in right after the new year, so everyone can plan ahead without surprises!