# 2026-19697: ITC Probes DRAM Patents in Tech Import Clash

2026-19697, Certain Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) Devices, Products Containing the Same, and Components Thereof (III); Notice of Institution of Investigation, is a Federal Register notice from International Trade Commission published 2026-09-25, effective 2026-09-22; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-10-02).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19697
- As of: 2026-10-02
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-19697
- Title: Certain Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) Devices, Products Containing the Same, and Components Thereof (III); Notice of Institution of Investigation
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: International Trade Commission
- Citation: 91 FR 60980
- Published: 2026-09-25
- Effective: 2026-09-22
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-10-02

## In one line

ITC Probes DRAM Patents in Tech Import Clash

## Summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission is launching an investigation into certain DRAM memory devices and related products, following a complaint by Netlist, Inc. They claim these products violate their patents and want to stop their import and sale in the U.S. This could lead to import bans and legal orders soon, affecting companies selling these memory products and possibly shaking up the tech market.

## Abstract

Notice is hereby given that a complaint was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission on August 11, 2026, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Netlist, Inc. of Irvine, California. A supplement to the complaint was filed on August 25, 2026. The complaint, as supplemented, 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 dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, products containing the same, and components thereof by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,025,731 ("the '731 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 10,217,523 ("the '523 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,373,366 ("the '366 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 12,675,407 ("the '407 patent"). The complaint further alleges that an industry in the United States exists or is in the process of being established as required by the applicable Federal Statute. The complainant requests that the Commission institute an investigation and, after the investigation, issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

## Effects PRIA read

- Investigation Could Lead to Import Bans: cost, high. On September 22, 2026 the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted an investigation into alleged patent infringement of certain DRAM devices based on a complaint filed August 11, 2026 (supplemented August 25, 2026) that cites U.S. Patent Nos. 10,025,731; 10,217,523; 12,373,366; and 12,675,407…
- Scope Targets DDR5 DIMMs and Systems: cost, medium. The investigation specifically covers "certain DRAM devices (specifically, DDR5 generation DIMM), and products containing the same (such as servers, computing systems, and storage systems), and components thereof." This means manufacturers, importers, and sellers of DDR5 DIMMs and systems that incl…
- Responses Due or Risk Waiver and Orders: cost, medium. Named respondents must submit responses in accordance with the Commission's rules, and responses will be considered if received not later than 20 days after service of the complaint and notice of investigation; extensions will not be granted absent good cause. The notice warns that failure to file…

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## Sources
- [2026-19697 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/25/2026-19697/certain-dynamic-random-access-memory-dram-devices-products-containing-the-same-and-components)
- [2026-19697 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-25/pdf/2026-19697.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19697 (as of 2026-10-02).