notice Published 2026-04-13

Certain Screen Protectors, Application Systems for Use Therewith, and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation

📌 ETDETA brief — importer impact summary (educational)

Brief takeaway: The U.S. International Trade Commission has opened a Section 337 investigation into alleged patent infringement by imported screen protectors and their application systems, which could eventually lead to import restrictions.

What changed: According to the notice, the ITC instituted an investigation based on a complaint filed by Belkin International, Inc. alleging that certain imported screen protectors, application systems, and components infringe three U.S. patents (the '817, '746, and '320 patents). The notice states the complainant requests a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order following the investigation.

Who's affected: The notice names screen protectors, application systems used with them, and components thereof. No specific HTS codes or countries of origin are cited in the notice; the focus is on products alleged to infringe the identified patents.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported screen protectors, applicators, or related components could fall within the product categories described in the notice.
- Confirm with your broker or counsel whether the patents cited (the '817, '746, and '320 patents) may be relevant to your products.
- Check the ITC investigation docket for updates on scope, respondents, and any exclusion or cease and desist orders as the case proceeds.
- Review supply-chain and sourcing documentation in case product identification becomes relevant.

This is general information, not legal advice and not a compliance determination — confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker or trade counsel.

Official notice

Notice is hereby given that a complaint was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission on March 9, 2026, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Belkin International, Inc. of El Segundo, California. A supplement was filed on March 13, 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 screen protectors, application systems for use therewith, and components thereof by reason of infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,675,817 ("the '817 patent"), U.S. Patent No. 10,782,746 ("the '746 patent"), and U.S. Patent No. 11,772,320 ("the '320 patent"). The complaint further alleges that an industry in the United States exists 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 a cease and desist order.

Source: Federal Register · International Trade Commission · Read the official notice ↗

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This update is a general educational summary based on public CBP CSMS / Federal Register information. It is not legal advice, customs broker advice, a final classification, duty determination, entry instruction, or compliance determination. Importers should confirm applicability, effective dates, HTSUS/Chapter 99 reporting, rates, refunds, PSC procedures, and filing instructions with their licensed customs broker, trade counsel, and/or CBP.