notice Published 2026-01-27

Certain Processed Slabs and Methods for Making Same; Notice of Institution of Investigation

📌 ETDETA brief — importer impact summary (educational)

Brief takeaway: The ITC has opened a Section 337 investigation into certain processed slabs alleged to infringe three U.S. patents, which could eventually lead to import restrictions.

What changed: According to the notice, the ITC instituted an investigation after Cambria Company LLC filed a complaint (December 19, 2025, supplemented January 5, 2026) alleging that the importation and sale of certain processed slabs and related methods infringe claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,195,762; 10,252,440; and 12,370,718. The notice states the complainant requests a general exclusion order, or alternatively a limited exclusion order, plus cease and desist orders.

Who's affected: The notice names "certain processed slabs and methods for making same" as the products at issue. It does not specify particular HTS chapters or codes, and no countries of origin are named. Importers of processed slab products (such as engineered or manufactured slabs) may find this relevant.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported processed slabs relate to the products described in the complaint.
- Check whether the three cited patents may be relevant to your products or manufacturing methods.
- Confirm with your customs broker or trade counsel how a potential general or limited exclusion order could affect your shipments if one issues.
- Review the ITC docket for scope details, respondents, and procedural deadlines as the investigation proceeds.

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 December 19, 2025, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Cambria Company LLC of Belle Plaine, Minnesota. A supplement to the complaint was filed on January 5, 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 processed slabs and methods for making same by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,195,762 ("the '762 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 10,252,440 ("the '440 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 12,370,718 ("the '718 patent"). The complaint, as supplemented, 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 general exclusion order, or in the alternative 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.