ITC Investigates Sneaky MRAM Imports: Patent Wars Heat Up in Tech
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Notice
Summary
Avalanche Technology, Inc. has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain MRAM devices and parts for patent infringement. If the claims are true, some imported MRAM products could be blocked from U.S. sales, affecting companies selling these tech parts. This investigation started in early 2026 and could lead to important trade changes and money impacts soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Investigation Could Block MRAM Imports
Avalanche Technology filed a complaint (Jan 28, 2026; amended Feb 5, 2026) alleging that certain imported MRAM products infringe U.S. Patents 9,318,179; 9,419,210; 11,678,586; and 10,490,737. The complainant asks the Commission to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order, which could block specified imported MRAM products from U.S. sales if the Commission grants those remedies after the investigation instituted on February 27, 2026.
Scope Names Specific MRAM Products
The Commission defined the investigation scope as memory chips using Spin Transfer Torque MRAM (STT-MRAM) technology, including magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) cells and products containing those MTJ cells. Specifically listed items include STT-MRAM devices, CMOS wafers, memory modules, embedded MRAM, evaluation boards, and wafer dies comprising MTJs.
Named Respondent Must Respond Quickly
Everspin Technologies, Inc. is named as the respondent and must file responses in accordance with the Commission's rules. Responses will be considered if received not later than 20 days after the date of service of the amended complaint and notice of investigation; failure to timely respond may be treated as a waiver and can lead to findings and issuance of an exclusion order or cease and desist order without further notice.
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