Whirlpool's Patent Patrol Targets Slim Microwave-Hood Clones
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
Whirlpool has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain low-profile microwave-hood combos for patent infringement. If the claims hold up, some imports and sales of these products could be blocked, shaking up the market and possibly affecting prices. This investigation started in late 2025 and could lead to important changes for manufacturers and sellers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Imports and Sales May Be Blocked
Whirlpool asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain products and requested a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. If the Commission issues those orders after the investigation, importation into the United States, sale for importation, or sale within the United States after importation of the covered products could be blocked. The investigation was instituted on December 17, 2025.
Which Products Are Targeted
The investigation covers "low-profile, microwave oven and ventilation-hood combination products for installation over a cooking range or cooktop." The complaint asserts infringement of claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 11,079,118; 11,979,967; 12,101,865; 12,133,317; and 12,289,819 B2 (specific claim ranges are listed in the complaint).
Major Appliance Brands Named as Respondents
The notice names specific respondents alleged to be in violation, including Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America, Inc.; LG Electronics Inc. and LG Electronics USA, Inc.; Midea Group Co., Ltd. and Midea America Corporation; Haier Group Corporation and Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. (d/b/a GE Appliances); Electrolux Professional AB and Electrolux Consumer Products, Inc.; and multiple other companies and distributors. These named companies may be subject to the investigation and any exclusion or cease-and-desist orders the Commission issues.
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
2026-06488 — Active Anode Material from China; Determinations
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided that imports of active anode material from China, which were found to be unfairly priced and subsidized, are not stopping U.S. companies from growing their own industry. This affects American producers like Anovion and Syrah Technologies, who had asked for protection. The decision means no new tariffs or restrictions will be added right now, keeping prices and supply steady for the near future.
2026-06529 — L-Lysine From China; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
The U.S. is taking a close look at animal feed-grade L-lysine imported from China to see if it’s hurting American businesses by being unfairly cheap or subsidized. This investigation could lead to extra taxes on these imports to protect U.S. producers. The final decision is moving forward after a preliminary finding, with important deadlines starting March 6, 2026.
2026-06387 — Certain Video-Capable Electronic Devices, Including Smart Televisions, Monitors, and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission is investigating claims that some smart TVs, monitors, and their parts might be using patented technology without permission. This could lead to restrictions on importing and selling these devices in the U.S., affecting manufacturers and sellers soon. The investigation started in early 2026 and could impact prices and availability if the patents are enforced.
2026-06293 — Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. is checking if special taxes on non-refillable steel cylinders from China should stay or go. This affects companies that make or sell these cylinders and could impact prices or jobs. If you’re interested, you’ve got until May 1, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss out!
2026-06292 — Chassis and Subassemblies From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is checking if stopping special taxes on chassis and parts from China would hurt American businesses. Companies and folks involved have until May 1, 2026, to share their thoughts. This review could affect import costs and trade rules soon, so stay tuned!
2026-06287 — Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. is checking if special taxes on boltless steel shelving from China should stay or go. This review affects importers, sellers, and American manufacturers, with a quick deadline for comments by May 1, 2026. The goal? To see if removing these taxes would hurt U.S. businesses again soon.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23515 — Certain Antibody Drug Conjugates and Components Thereof and Products Containing the Same; Institution of Investigation
AbbVie and ImmunoGen have asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain antibody drug products imported into the U.S., claiming trade secrets were stolen. If the claim is true, this could lead to orders blocking these products from entering the U.S. and stopping unfair competition. This investigation started in December 2025 and could impact companies making or selling these drugs in the U.S., possibly affecting the market and money flow.
Next: 2025-23517 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Sunset Date of the Current Options Regulatory Fee (ORF) From December 31, 2025 to June 30, 2026
Cboe Exchange is keeping the current Options Regulatory Fee (ORF) at $0.0023 per contract side for six more months, extending it from December 31, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This means traders and firms using Cboe Options will keep paying the same fee through mid-2026. The change kicks in right after the new year, so everyone can plan ahead without surprises!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in