Vapes Cleared: ITC Ends Patent Probe with No Penalties
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission has decided that certain disposable vaporizer devices don’t violate patent rules because the patent claims were found obvious and invalid. This means the investigation started in 2024 is now over with no penalties or money owed. Companies importing or selling these devices can keep doing business without worry.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Investigation Terminated—No Violation
If you import or sell the disposable vaporizer devices at issue, the U.S. International Trade Commission voted on March 10, 2026 to terminate the investigation and found no violation of section 337 (19 U.S.C. 1337). The investigation that was instituted on July 22, 2024 (Investigation No. 337-TA-1410) is closed by Commission determination.
Patent Claims Found Invalid (Obvious)
The Commission found that asserted claims 4 and 12, and claim 1 on which they depend, of U.S. Patent No. 11,925,202 are invalid as obvious under 35 U.S.C. 103. That invalidity determination was adopted in the Commission's opinion and is part of the basis for the March 10, 2026 finding of no violation.
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
2026-17046, Certain Wireless Communications Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
Notice is hereby given that on August 14, 2026, the presiding administrative law judge ("ALJ") issued an Initial Determination on Violation of Section 337. The ALJ also issued a Recommended Determination on remedy and bonding should a violation be found in the above-captioned investigation. The Commission is soliciting submissions on public interest issues raised by the recommended relief should the Commission find a violation. This notice is soliciting comments from the public and interested government agencies only.
2026-17011, Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has received a complaint entitled Certain Electronic Devices with Certain Audio Technologies, DN 3931; the Commission is soliciting comments on any public interest issues raised by the complaint or complainant's filing pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
2026-16848, Silicon Metal From Australia and Norway; Determinations
2026-16905, Certain Transformers and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation
A company called Ayr Energy says some transformers and their parts imported into the U.S. are using stolen secrets and fake branding, which could hurt American businesses. The U.S. International Trade Commission is now investigating and might stop these products from being sold here. This could lead to new rules and orders soon, affecting companies selling these transformers and possibly changing what’s on store shelves.
2026-16811, Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof II; Notice of a Commission Determination Finding a Violation Under Section 337; Issuance of a General Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of the Investigation
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to find a violation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and to issue a general exclusion order ("GEO") prohibiting the importation of products that infringe claims 1 and 7 of each of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,764,172 ("the '172 patent"); 9,370,934 ("the '934 patent"); 11,535,038 ("the '038 patent"); 12,240,248 ("the '248 patent"); and 12,240,249 ("the '249 patent"); and cease and desist orders ("CDOs") against respondents Mountain Peak, Inc. and Straightouttaink, LP. The investigation is terminated.
2026-16816, Hand Trucks and Certain Parts Thereof From China; Determination
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04906, Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act
The government and Pennsylvania have reached a deal with Rutgers Organics LLC to fix damage caused by pollution at a site in Centre County. Rutgers will pay nearly $800,000 to help clean up and restore the area, plus build a parking lot and trail for public fishing. This agreement kicks off important restoration work and protects the environment while giving the public better access to nature.
Next: 2026-04909, Information Collection: NRC Form 646, Formal Discrimination Complaint and NRC Form 655, EEO Counselor's Report
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is renewing two important forms used to report workplace discrimination and counseling: NRC Form 646 and NRC Form 655. This affects employees and employers involved in discrimination complaints, with no new costs or big changes, but your feedback is welcome until April 13, 2026. It’s a smooth update to keep things fair and clear in the workplace!