notice Published 2026-07-02

Certain Systems, Devices, Software, Compositions, Chemicals, and Laboratory Supplies for Studying Proteins; Notice of Institution of Investigation

📌 ETDETA brief — importer impact summary (educational)

Brief takeaway: The ITC has opened a Section 337 patent-infringement investigation into imported systems, devices, software, and lab supplies used for studying proteins, which could later lead to import restrictions on infringing goods.

What changed: According to the notice, a complaint was filed on May 28, 2026 (supplemented June 12, 2026) by Seer, Inc. and The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc., alleging that importation and sale of certain protein-study products infringe five U.S. patents. The notice states the complainants request a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order after investigation.

Who's affected: The notice names certain systems, devices, software, compositions, chemicals, and laboratory supplies for studying proteins. It cites U.S. Patents 11,435,360; 11,630,112; 12,050,222; 12,228,566; and 12,590,948. No specific HTS codes or countries of origin are named in the notice.

What to review:
- Review whether your imported products relate to protein-study systems, devices, software, chemicals, or laboratory supplies that may fall within the described category.
- Confirm with your broker or counsel whether any of the five cited patents may be relevant to your goods.
- Check the ITC docket for updates on scope, named respondents, and any exclusion or cease-and-desist orders.
- Confirm effective dates and any downstream import impacts 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 May 28, 2026, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Seer, Inc. of Redwood City, California and The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts. A supplement to the complaint was filed on June 12, 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 systems, devices, software, compositions, chemicals, and laboratory supplies for studying proteins by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 11,435,360 ("the '360 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 11,630,112 ("the '112 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,050,222 ("the '222 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 12,228,566 ("the '566 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 12,590,948 ("the '948 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.