ITC Investigates Imported Chips for Patent Sneakiness in Tech Wars
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Notice
Summary
GlobalFoundries has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain imported semiconductor devices and their parts for patent infringement. If the claims are true, some products could be blocked from entering or being sold in the U.S., which might shake up the tech market and affect companies involved. This investigation started in April 2026 and could lead to important trade changes and money moves soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible import ban for certain chips
GlobalFoundries requested that the Commission, after investigation, issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. If the Commission grants such relief, the specified "certain semiconductor devices ... including wafers and chips, and components thereof" could be blocked from importation into, or sale within, the United States.
Investigation of Tower-related chips
The U.S. International Trade Commission instituted an investigation on April 27, 2026, after a complaint filed March 26, 2026 (supplemented April 1, 2026) by GlobalFoundries alleging patent infringement for multiple U.S. patents (including U.S. Patent Nos. 8,330,235; 8,507,983; 9,093,425; 9,865,546; 10,062,748; and 10,707,167). The investigation covers "certain semiconductor devices manufactured using Tower's RF, power management, BCD, logic, SiGe, and BiCMOS processes, including wafers and chips, and components thereof."
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