Feds Suspend Face-Peel Machine Bans as Patent Expires Soon
Published Date: 3/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that some hydrodermabrasion systems broke patent rules, but since the patent is about to expire, they’re pausing the usual bans and fines. This affects companies importing or selling these products, especially HydraFacial LLC, who filed the complaint. The investigation is now over, with no extra costs or restrictions for now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Remedial Orders Issued But Suspended
The Commission decided to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order but suspended issuance because the asserted '287 patent will expire on March 29, 2026, six days after the orders issue. Because the bond was set at 0% and the patent expires during Presidential review, the Commission stated the orders will not have any future remedial effect.
Zero Percent Bond During Presidential Review
The Commission set the bond at zero percent (0%) of the entered value of the covered products during the period of Presidential review. This means importers would not be required to post a bond during that review period.
Respondent Found to Infringe Patent
The U.S. International Trade Commission determined that respondent Cartessa violated section 337 by importing and selling hydrodermabrasion systems that infringe claims 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, and 25 of the '287 patent. The Commission affirmed the violation on review in a vote held March 23, 2026.
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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
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