ITC Reconsiders Hoverboard Patent Violations
Published Date: 6/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is taking a second look at a decision that found some motorized self-balancing vehicles broke patent rules. This affects companies importing or selling these vehicles in the U.S., with possible changes to how these products can be sold or stopped. The Commission is asking for feedback soon on how to fix the issue, protect the public, and handle money matters like bonds.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Imports Could Be Blocked by Exclusion Order
The statute allows the Commission to issue an exclusion order that could stop the listed motorized self‑balancing vehicles from being imported into the United States. If the Commission orders exclusion, those products could be barred from U.S. entry, which could prevent importers and U.S. sellers from bringing these items to market.
Cease-and-Desist Could Stop U.S. Sales
The Commission may order cease-and-desist orders that could require respondents to stop importing or selling the accused self‑balancing vehicles in the United States. Such an order could force U.S. sellers or importers to halt sales of the covered products.
60‑Day Review Allows Entry Only Under Bond
If the Commission orders a remedy, the U.S. Trade Representative has 60 days to act. During that 60‑day review period, the subject articles would be allowed to enter the United States only if importers post a bond in an amount the Commission determines and the Secretary of the Treasury prescribes.
Gotrax and Tao Motor Found to Infringe Patents
The Chief ALJ's final initial determination (issued April 10, 2026) found a violation of section 337 by Gotrax and Tao Motor with respect to claims 10, 11, and 16 of U.S. Patent No. RE46,964 and claims 10–13 of U.S. Patent No. RE49,608, and the Commission is reviewing parts of that FID. That finding exposes those respondents to potential remedies including exclusion or cease-and-desist orders.
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