notice Published 2026-03-30

Certain NAND and DRAM Memory Chips; Institution of Investigation

📌 ETDETA brief — importer impact summary (educational)

Brief takeaway: The ITC has opened a Section 337 investigation into whether certain imported NAND and DRAM memory chips infringe several U.S. patents, which could eventually lead to import restrictions.

What changed: According to the notice, a complaint was filed on February 17, 2026 (with supplements on February 25 and March 16, 2026) by MonolithIC 3D Inc., alleging that the importation and sale of certain NAND and DRAM memory chips violate Section 337 by infringing claims of eight named U.S. patents. The notice states the complainant requests a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders following the investigation.

Who's affected: The notice names certain NAND and DRAM memory chips as the subject articles. It cites eight patents ('531, '1-737, '765, '214, '181, '473, '503, and '2-737). The notice does not specify HTS codes, countries of origin, or named respondents in the text provided.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported products include NAND or DRAM memory chips that may fall within the scope described in the complaint.
- Confirm with your broker or counsel whether any final exclusion order, if issued, could affect your entries.
- Check the full ITC investigation record for named respondents and accused product details as they become available.
- Review your supply chain and supplier certifications regarding memory chip sourcing.

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 February 17, 2026, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of MonolithIC 3D Inc. of Allen, Texas. Supplements to the complaint were filed on February 25, 2026, and March 16, 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 NAND and DRAM memory chips by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 12,035,531 ("the '531 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,125,737 ("the '1- 737 patent"); U.S. Patent No.12,243,765 ("the '765 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 11,342,214 ("the '214 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 11,476,181 ("the '181 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 11,594,473 ("the '473 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 11,862,503 ("the '503 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 12,225,737 ("the '2-737 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.

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.