Printer Ink Patents Spark Trade Commission Drama
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is taking a second look at a decision that found certain ink cartridges and parts violated Epson’s patents. They’re asking for written opinions on what should happen next, including possible fixes, public impact, and money matters. This affects companies importing or selling these ink cartridges and could lead to changes in what’s allowed or blocked soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible U.S. Import Ban for Ink Cartridges
The U.S. International Trade Commission may order exclusion of certain ink cartridges and components from entry into the United States or issue cease and desist orders that would require respondents to stop importing and selling those products. The ALJ's recommended determination (Order No. 16, issued March 24, 2026) sought a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders against Mountain Peak and Straightouttaink; the Commission voted to review the ID in part on May 8, 2026.
Bonding Requirement During Presidential Review
If the Commission orders a remedy, the U.S. Trade Representative has 60 days to act during which accused articles may still enter the United States under bond in an amount the Commission prescribes. The ALJ recommended a bond of 100 percent of the entered value during the period of Presidential review; the Commission has asked for submissions on the appropriate bond amount.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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
2026-16581, Carbazole Violet Pigment 23 From China and India; Termination of Five-Year Reviews
The Commission instituted the subject five-year reviews on May 1, 2026 to determine whether revocation of the countervailing duty order on carbazole violet pigment 23 from India and the antidumping duty orders on carbazole violet pigment 23 from China and India would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury. On August 7, 2026, the Department of Commerce published notice in the Federal Register that it was revoking the orders applicable August 7, 2026, because no domestic interested party filed a timely notice of intent to participate. Accordingly, the subject reviews are terminated.
2026-16667, Certain Mobile Electronic Devices; Notice of Institution of Investigation
Notice is hereby given that a complaint was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission on July 10, 2026, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Maxell, Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan. An amended complaint was filed on July 24, 2026. The amended complaint alleges violations of section 337 based upon the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain mobile electronic devices by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,812,646 ("the '646 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,513,408 ("the '408 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,061,760 ("the '760 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,418,692 ("the '692 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,185,211 ("the '211 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 12,647,935 ("the '935 patent"). The amended complaint further alleges that an industry in the United States exists as required by the applicable Federal Statute. The amended complainant requests that the Commission institute an investigation and, after the investigation, issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
2026-16469, Choline Salts From China; Determinations
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that imports of choline salts from China might be hurting American businesses by being sold unfairly cheap and getting government help. This means a deeper investigation is starting soon, which could lead to new rules or tariffs to protect U.S. companies. If you’re involved in this industry, keep an eye out for updates and possible changes that could affect prices and trade.
2026-16302, Large Vertical Shaft Engines From China; Determinations
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