Solar Cable Patent Fight Heads to ITC Review
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is taking a second look at a decision that found Voltage, LLC and Ningbo Volta violated patent rules on solar power cable parts. They’re asking for input on how to fix the problem, protect the public, and handle money matters. This affects companies making or selling these solar cable parts and could lead to changes in trade rules soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Imports could be barred from U.S. ports
The Commission may order an exclusion that would bar the specified photovoltaic trunk bus cable assemblies and components from entry into the United States. If ordered, the U.S. Trade Representative has 60 days to review the Commission's decision, and during that review subject articles may only enter the U.S. under bond.
Court-style cease-and-desist could stop sales
The statute allows cease and desist orders that could require the Voltage respondents to stop importing or selling the accused products in the United States. The ALJ recommended not issuing cease and desist orders, but the Commission may consider them when deciding final relief.
Importers may need to post a bond
If the Commission orders relief, subject articles may enter the United States under bond during the 60-day Presidential/USTR review period. The ALJ recommended a 100 percent bond for importations of infringing products during Presidential review, and the Commission is seeking comment on the bond amount.
Commission is re-reviewing domestic-industry finding
The Commission has decided to review in part the ALJ's finding that the complainant satisfied the economic prong of the domestic-industry requirement for the asserted patents. That review could affect whether a violation is sustained and what remedy, if any, is ultimately ordered.
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