USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Laptops, Routers, Gateways

ITC News Releases

Filed March 4th, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation into alleged patent infringement by certain laptops, routers, gateways, and components imported into the U.S. The investigation names ASUSTeK Computer Inc., ASUS Computer International, Inc., TP-Link Systems Inc., D-Link Corporation, D-Link Systems, Inc., and Ubiquiti Inc. as respondents.

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What changed

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated Investigation No. 337-TA-1489 based on a complaint alleging patent infringement by imported laptops, routers, gateways, and their components. The complaint was filed by AX Wireless, LLC, and the USITC has identified ASUSTeK Computer Inc., ASUS Computer International, Inc., TP-Link Systems Inc., D-Link Corporation, D-Link Systems, Inc., and Ubiquiti Inc. as respondents. The USITC has not yet made a determination on the merits of the case, and the investigation will proceed with an initial determination by an Administrative Law Judge, subject to Commission review.

This action signifies the commencement of a formal investigation into alleged patent violations related to imported electronic devices. Regulated entities, particularly those manufacturing or importing the specified products, should be aware of this investigation and the potential for USITC-issued exclusion orders or cease and desist orders if violations are found. The USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation within 45 days of institution, and any remedial orders become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved by the U.S. Trade Representative.

What to do next

Review complaint details and notice of institution for Investigation No. 337-TA-1489.
Assess potential exposure to patent infringement claims related to imported laptops, routers, and gateways.
Monitor investigation progress and target completion date set by the USITC.

Penalties

The complainant requests a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. USITC remedial orders are binding upon issuance and become final unless disapproved by the U.S. Trade Representative.

Source document (simplified)

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Laptops, Routers and Gateways, and Components Thereof

March 4, 2026
News Release 25-036
Inv. No(s).

  337-TA-1489

Contact: Claire Huber, 202-205-1819 USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Laptops, Routers and Gateways, and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain laptops, routers and gateways, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of institution of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of AX Wireless, LLC of Austin, Texas, on February 2, 2026. Supplements to the complaint were filed on February 10, 2026. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of laptops, routers and gateways, and components thereof that infringe certain claims of the patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Taipei, Taiwan
ASUS Computer International, Inc., Fremont, California
TP-Link Systems Inc., Irvine, California
D-Link Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan
D-Link Systems, Inc., Irvine, California
Ubiquiti Inc., New York, New York By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1489), 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.