Trade Commission Probes Patent Clash on Screen Protectors
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is launching an investigation into certain screen protectors and their parts, following a complaint from Superior Communications Inc. They claim some imported products violate their patents and want the Commission to block these products from entering or being sold in the U.S. This could shake up the screen protector market soon and might affect companies importing or selling these items.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Investigation May Block Screen Protectors
A complaint filed December 3, 2025 alleges that certain imported screen protectors infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 9,931,823; 10,021,818; 10,399,315; and 11,155,067. The U.S. International Trade Commission instituted an investigation on January 2, 2026 into “screen protector applicator systems” and the complainant has asked the Commission to issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders that could block those products from being imported or sold in the United States.
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
2026-13819 — Polypropylene Corrugated Boxes From Vietnam; Determination
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that American companies making polypropylene corrugated boxes are hurt by cheaper imports from Vietnam sold below fair prices. This means extra duties will be applied to these imports to protect U.S. businesses. The decision follows a 2025 investigation and affects importers starting mid-2026, helping local makers stay competitive.
2026-13767 — Silicon Metal From Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is speeding up reviews to decide if special taxes on silicon metal from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia should continue. This affects companies importing or making silicon metal and could impact prices or trade rules soon. The review started on June 5, 2026, and aims to keep the market fair without unnecessary delays.
2026-13811 — Certain Mobile Electronic Devices; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
The U.S. International Trade Commission is asking the public and government agencies to share their thoughts on a possible ban of certain Samsung mobile devices if they're found to break trade rules. This could affect Samsung products imported or sold in the U.S., and the decision might impact what phones you see in stores soon. Comments are open now, so speak up before the deadline to help shape the outcome!
2026-13783 — Certain Boiler Protection for Absorption Refrigeration Systems and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination To Review in Part an Initial Determination Granting Summary Determination of Violation of Section 337; Request for Written Submissions on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
The U.S. International Trade Commission is rechecking a decision that found some imported boiler protection parts for absorption refrigeration systems broke patent rules. This affects companies importing or selling these parts in the U.S., and the Commission now wants input on how to fix the problem, protect the public, and handle money matters like bonds. If you’re involved, get ready to share your thoughts soon!
2026-13709 — Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand From Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates; Notice of Commission Determination To Conduct Full Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is kicking off full five-year reviews to decide if special taxes on prestressed concrete steel wire strand from 16 countries should stay or go. This affects companies importing this steel wire from places like Turkey, Argentina, and the UAE, with decisions coming later that could impact prices and trade rules. Stay tuned for updates on review schedules and possible changes that might shake up the market!
2026-13657 — Certain Vehicle Space Guards; Notice of Institution of Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission is launching an investigation into certain vehicle space guards that might be breaking a U.S. patent owned by Johnathan Black Kotyk. This could lead to stopping imports and sales of these products in the U.S., affecting companies involved and possibly changing what’s available on the market soon. The investigation started on July 1, 2026, and could impact money and business decisions related to these vehicle parts.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00032 — Certain Skid-Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders, Excavators, Wheel Loaders, Dozers, and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation
Doosan Bobcat North America has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain loaders, excavators, dozers, and their parts for patent infringement. If the claims are true, some imported machines might be blocked from U.S. sales, which could shake up the construction equipment market soon. This investigation started in early January 2026 and could lead to orders stopping sales and imports, affecting companies and buyers alike.
Next: 2026-00034 — Application for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest for Lands Underlying Portions of the East Fork of the Arolik River, the Arolik River, and Arolik Lake in Alaska
The State of Alaska wants to officially claim the land under parts of the Arolik River, East Fork, and Arolik Lake by asking the U.S. government to give up its interest in these underwater lands. This affects local land ownership and could change who controls these areas. People have until February 6, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made after April 7, 2026.