Federal Trade Probe Targets Pickleball Paddle Patents
Published Date: 6/8/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
ITC Investigation Could Block Paddle Sales
The U.S. International Trade Commission instituted an investigation on June 4, 2026 into certain pickleball paddles that Sport Squad, Inc. (JOOLA) alleges infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 12,465,826 and 12,357,891 (claims 1-16 and 18-20 of the '826 patent and claims 1-29 of the '891 patent). If the Commission finds a violation, it may issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders that could stop the importation or sale of the accused paddles in the United States.
Respondents Must Reply Within 20 Days
Named respondents must submit responses in accordance with the Commission's rules, and such responses will be considered if received not later than 20 days after the date of service of the amended complaint and notice of investigation. The notice states that failure to file a timely response may be deemed a waiver and could lead the administrative law judge and the Commission to enter findings and issue an exclusion order or cease and desist order without further notice.
Which Paddles Are Under Investigation
The investigation covers the plain-language category defined as "pickleball paddles with a core, comprised of foam or other material, and various filler material(s)." This definition sets the scope of which paddles the Commission is examining for alleged patent infringement.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16020, Small Vertical Shaft Engines From China; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is speeding up its review of special taxes on small vertical shaft engines from China to see if these taxes should stay. This affects U.S. businesses that make or sell these engines and could impact prices or trade rules starting July 6, 2026. The review is faster because only the U.S. side showed enough interest, so expect decisions sooner than usual!
2026-15790, Certain Portable Battery Jump Starters and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination to Institute a Rescission Proceeding; Rescind a Limited Exclusion Order; and Terminate the Rescission Proceeding
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission ("Commission") has determined to institute a rescission proceeding and rescind the limited exclusion order ("LEO") that was issued in the above-captioned investigation. The rescission proceeding is terminated.
2026-15723, Corrosion Inhibitors From China; Determinations
2026-15745, Fresh Mushrooms From Canada; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
The U.S. is wrapping up an investigation into fresh mushrooms from Canada to see if they're being unfairly sold at low prices or getting special government help. This could affect U.S. mushroom growers if duties (extra taxes) are added to Canadian imports. The final decision will impact trade and prices soon, so keep an eye out!
2026-15792, Certain Portable Power Stations and Packaging Therefor; Notice of Commission Determination To Institute a Modification Proceeding; Modify a Limited Exclusion Order; and Terminate the Modification Proceeding
The U.S. International Trade Commission has updated its rules about certain portable power stations and their packaging. They changed a previous order that stopped some imports because the patent and trademark involved expired or were canceled. This means the restrictions on imports from Sinochem Ningbo, Ltd. are lifted, ending the case and opening the door for those products to come back into the U.S. market.
2026-15791, Certain Arrowheads With Deploying Blades and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination To Institute a Modification Proceeding; Modify a General Exclusion Order; and Terminate the Modification Proceeding
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission ("Commission") has determined to institute a modification proceeding and modify the general exclusion order ("GEO") that was issued in the above-captioned investigation. The modification proceeding is terminated.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11458, Surrendered Supplemental Type Certificate
B/E Aerospace, Inc. has officially given up its special approval (called a Supplemental Type Certificate) for certain portable oxygen units installed on some aircraft. This means they can no longer make or support these design changes, but planes already using them are still safe to fly. Aircraft owners with these units should take note, though no immediate costs or deadlines are involved.
Next: 2026-11461, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development; Notice of Meeting
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development is holding a public meeting on October 14, 2026, to discuss important health research and grant applications. Anyone interested can join in person or watch online, with some parts closed to protect privacy and trade secrets. This meeting affects researchers, health professionals, and the public by shaping future child health studies and funding decisions.