notice Published 2026-01-07

Certain Screen Protectors, Screen Protector Systems, and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation

📌 ETDETA brief — importer impact summary (educational)

Brief takeaway: The ITC has opened a Section 337 investigation into whether certain imported screen protectors infringe four U.S. patents, which could eventually lead to import restrictions on covered goods.

What changed: According to the notice, a complaint was filed on December 3, 2025 by Superior Communications Inc. alleging that the importation and sale of certain screen protectors, screen protector systems, and components infringe four U.S. patents. The notice states the complainant requests that the Commission institute an investigation and issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

Who's affected: The notice names screen protectors, screen protector systems, and components thereof as the products at issue. It cites U.S. Patent Nos. 9,931,823, 10,021,818, 10,399,315, and 11,155,067 as the patents allegedly infringed. The notice does not specify particular HTS codes or countries of origin.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported products could fall within the described category of screen protectors, screen protector systems, or components.
- Confirm with your customs broker or trade counsel whether the named patents may be relevant to your goods.
- Check for any ITC exclusion order or cease and desist order that may result from this investigation.
- Confirm the current status and scope of the investigation, since it is at the institution stage.

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 3, 2025, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Superior Communications Inc. of Irwindale, California. The complaint 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, screen protector systems, and components thereof by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 9,931,823 ("the '823 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 10,021,818 ("the '818 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 10,399,315 ("the '315 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 11,155,067 ("the '067 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.