USITC Institutes Patent Infringement Investigation 337-TA-1488

ITC News Releases

Filed March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 3rd, 2026

Summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation into alleged patent infringement of certain gyro-stabilized electric unicycles and components. The investigation, based on a complaint by Inventist, Inc. and Alien Technology Group, Inc., names several Chinese manufacturers as respondents.

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What changed

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted investigation 337-TA-1488 concerning alleged patent infringement related to gyro-stabilized electric unicycles and their components. The investigation stems from a complaint filed by Inventist, Inc. and Alien Technology Group, Inc., asserting violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 due to the importation and sale of products infringing their patents. The named respondents include Guangzhou Veteran Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (LeaperKim), Dong Guan BEGODE Intelligent Technology Ltd. (BEGODE), Inmotion Technologies Co., Ltd. (Inmotion), Shenzhen King Song Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. (Kingsong), and Guangzhou JiDongTai Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. (Nosfet).

While the institution of this investigation does not constitute a finding on the merits, it initiates a formal proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge. The USITC will aim to complete the investigation within a target date set within 45 days. If a violation is found, the USITC may issue exclusion orders and cease and desist orders. These orders become final unless disapproved by the U.S. Trade Representative within 60 days of issuance. Companies involved in the import or sale of these products should monitor the proceedings and prepare for potential import restrictions or other remedies.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of investigation 337-TA-1488.
Review patent claims asserted by Inventist, Inc. and Alien Technology Group, Inc.
Assess potential impact of exclusion orders or cease and desist orders on import and sales activities.

Penalties

Potential exclusion orders and cease and desist orders if a violation of section 337 is found.

Source document (simplified)

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Gyro-Stabilized Electric Unicycles and Components Thereof and Products Containing the Same

March 2, 2026
News Release 26-034
Inv. No(s).

  337-TA-1488

Contact: Claire Huber, 202-205-1819 USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Gyro-Stabilized Electric Unicycles and Components Thereof and Products Containing the Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain gyro-stabilized electric unicycles and components thereof and products containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Inventist, Inc. of Camas, Washington, and Alien Technology Group, Inc. d/b/a Alien Rides of San Francisco, California, on January 21, 2026, and amended on February 2 and 17, 2026. The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain gyro-stabilized electric unicycles and components thereof and products containing the same that infringe certain claims of the patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or alternatively a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

Guangzhou Veteran Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a LeaperKim, Guangzhou, China
Dong Guan BEGODE Intelligent Technology Ltd. d/b/a BEGODE, Dongguan City, China
Inmotion Technologies Co., Ltd. d/b/a Inmotion, Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen King Song Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a Kingsong, Shenzhen, China
Guangzhou JiDongTai Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. d/b/a Nosfet, Guangzhou, China By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1488), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.