U.S. Bans Certain Women's Flats Over Colored Sole Patents
Published Date: 6/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that certain women's flats with colored soles violate patent rules. Because of this, they’re blocking these shoes from being imported or sold in the U.S., with a 100% bond required during review. This affects importers and sellers, and the investigation is now officially over.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Import Ban on Infringing Women's Flats
The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a General Exclusion Order (GEO) prohibiting the importation into the United States of products that infringe the claims of U.S. Patent Nos. D'928, D'951, D'927, D'812, and D'853. This order means importers and U.S. sellers cannot legally bring in or sell those infringing women's flats in the U.S.
Limited Exclusion Against Defaulting Sellers
The Commission issued a Limited Exclusion Order (LEO) barring entry of products that infringe certain other asserted patents (D'950, D'035, D'032) and the asserted trade dress as to listed defaulting respondents, including OneDrop, Craze, Piergitar, Guangzhou Shun Cheng, Shengze Trading Company, Huihui, Bingxin Qingfeng, tb249835650, Yuyoufang, Xu Wengping, Ynwll, and others. Those named importers/sellers are barred from bringing the identified infringing products into U.S. commerce.
100% Bond Required During Review
The Commission set the bond at one hundred percent (100%) of the entered value of the covered articles during the period of Presidential review. Importers seeking to bring covered articles into the U.S. during Presidential review must post a bond equal to 100% of the entered value.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11370 — Certain Clear Aligners and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting In Part a Motion To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided to allow new claims in a patent dispute about clear aligners, like those used for teeth straightening. This affects companies involved in making or selling these aligners in the U.S., as more patent rights are now part of the investigation. The case started in late 2025, and this update means the investigation just got bigger, possibly impacting future sales and legal costs.
2026-11459 — Certain Pickleball Paddles; Notice of Institution of Investigation
Sport Squad, Inc. (aka JOOLA) has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain pickleball paddles that might be breaking their patents. If the claim is true, some paddles could be blocked from being sold or imported into the U.S., which could shake up the pickleball market soon. This investigation started in June 2026 and could lead to new rules stopping some paddle sales, affecting players and sellers alike.
2026-11465 — Hand Trucks From China; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review
The U.S. International Trade Commission is speeding up a review to decide if special taxes on hand trucks from China should stay or go. This affects American hand truck makers and importers, with possible changes in costs and trade rules soon. The review started on May 8, 2026, and could impact prices and jobs depending on the outcome.
2026-11368 — Chromium Trioxide From India and Turkey; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
The U.S. is taking a close look at imports of chromium trioxide from India and Turkey to see if they're hurting American businesses by being sold too cheaply or unfairly supported by the Indian government. This investigation could lead to extra taxes on these imports to protect U.S. industries. The final decision phase started on May 22, 2026, so changes might be coming soon for importers and buyers.
2026-11387 — Crepe Paper From China; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review
The U.S. International Trade Commission is speeding up a check to see if the special taxes on crepe paper from China should stay or go. This affects American crepe paper makers and importers, with decisions coming soon that could impact prices and trade rules. The review started because U.S. producers showed strong interest, while Chinese exporters didn’t respond enough.
2026-11356 — Forged Steel Fittings From India and South Korea; Scheduling of Full Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is reviewing whether to keep or end special taxes on forged steel fittings from India and South Korea. This review affects businesses that import or use these steel parts and could impact prices or trade rules soon. The Commission may take up to 90 extra days to decide, so stay tuned for updates!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11393 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Form SF-3
The Securities and Exchange Commission wants to keep using Form SF-3, which helps companies register asset-backed securities for public sale. About 19 companies file this form yearly, spending lots of time and money—over 6,500 hours and $11.8 million in outside costs combined. The SEC is asking for public feedback on this paperwork to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle.
Next: 2026-11395 — 2025 Tax Information for Use in the Revenue Shortfall Allocation Method
The Surface Transportation Board is sharing the 2025 state tax rates for big railroads to help figure out fair shipping prices. These updated tax numbers affect Class I railroads and will be used to check if their rates are reasonable. If you’re involved with rail shipping, keep an eye out—these changes could impact costs starting in 2025.