notice Published 2026-01-16

Certain Wearable Devices; Institution of Investigation

📌 ETDETA brief — importer impact summary (educational)

Brief takeaway: The ITC has opened a Section 337 investigation into certain imported wearable devices over alleged patent infringement, which could eventually lead to import restrictions.

What changed: According to the notice, the ITC instituted an investigation based on a complaint filed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America, Inc. The notice states the complaint alleges violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 through the importation, sale for importation, and sale after importation of certain wearable devices said to infringe four U.S. patents. The notice states the complainants requested a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

Who's affected: The notice names "certain wearable devices" as the product category at issue. It cites four asserted patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 10,642,359; 10,945,677; 10,231,675; and 10,978,789. Specific HTS codes and countries of origin are not specified in the notice.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported wearable devices may fall within the scope described in the investigation.
- Confirm with your customs broker or trade counsel whether the asserted patents may be relevant to your products.
- Check the ITC docket for the respondents named and any proposed remedial orders as the investigation proceeds.
- Confirm how a potential limited exclusion order or cease and desist order could affect your import plans.

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 15, 2025, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. of Korea and Samsung Electronics America, Inc. of Englewood, New Jersey. A supplement to the complaint was filed on December 31, 2025, and an amended complaint was filed on January 5, 2026. The complaint, as supplemented and amended, 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 wearable devices by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,642,359 ("the '359 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 10,945,677 ("the '677 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 10,231,675 ("the '675 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 10,978,789 ("the '789 patent"). The complaint, as supplemented and amended, further alleges that an industry in the United States exists as required by the applicable Federal Statute. The complainants request 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.