notice Published 2025-11-28

Certain Microcurrent Facial Toning Devices and Systems Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation

Origins: GB

📌 ETDETA brief — importer impact summary (educational)

Brief takeaway: The ITC has opened a Section 337 patent-infringement investigation into imported microcurrent facial toning devices, which could eventually lead to import restrictions on infringing products.

What changed: According to the notice, the ITC instituted an investigation on a complaint filed by ZIIP, Inc. and The Beauty Tech Group Ltd. alleging that certain microcurrent facial toning devices infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 10,967,180 and 12,042,652. The notice states the complainants seek a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order following the investigation.

Who's affected: The notice names microcurrent facial toning devices and systems thereof as the products at issue. It does not specify HTS codes. The affected origin cited in the source is the United Kingdom (GB), though the notice text itself focuses on the products and patents rather than a country of origin.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported products are microcurrent facial toning devices or systems that could fall within the scope described in the notice.
- Check with your customs broker or trade counsel how the '180 and '652 patents may relate to your merchandise.
- Confirm the current status and any deadlines of the ITC investigation, since remedies like exclusion orders are not yet issued.
- Review your supplier documentation and product design details relevant to the patents named.

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 September 4, 2025, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of ZIIP, Inc. of Pleasant Hill, California and The Beauty Tech Group Ltd. of the United Kingdom. A supplement to the complaint was filed on September 15, 2025. 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 microcurrent facial toning devices and systems thereof by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 10,967,180 ("the '180 patent") and U.S. Patent No. 12,042,652 ("the '652 patent"). The complaint, as supplemented, 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 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.