USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Vehicle Parts

ITC News Releases

Filed March 10th, 2026

Detected March 10th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation based on a complaint by General Motors LLC and GM Global Technology Operations LLC. The investigation concerns alleged infringement of patents related to certain vehicle parts and components thereof.

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What changed

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1491, based on a complaint filed by General Motors LLC and GM Global Technology Operations LLC. The investigation alleges violations of Section 337 concerning the importation, sale for importation, and sale after importation of certain vehicle parts and components thereof, due to infringement of asserted patents. The complainants are seeking a general exclusion order, a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders against named respondents, including domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers.

This action signifies the commencement of a formal investigation by the USITC. While the institution of the investigation does not constitute a determination on the merits, it triggers a process overseen by an Administrative Law Judge. Regulated entities involved in the specified vehicle parts market should be aware of this investigation and the potential for exclusion orders and cease and desist orders. The USITC will set a target completion date within 45 days, and final determinations are subject to review by the Commission and potential disapproval by the U.S. Trade Representative.

What to do next

Review the USITC's notice of investigation (337-TA-1491) for specific details regarding the alleged patent infringements.
Assess current import and sales activities related to vehicle parts and components against the asserted patent claims.
Consult with legal counsel regarding potential exposure and response strategies if identified as a respondent or if involved in the supply chain.

Penalties

The complainants are requesting a general exclusion order, a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. USITC remedial orders are effective when issued and become final unless disapproved by the U.S. Trade Representative.

Source document (simplified)

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components Thereof

March 10, 2026
News Release 26-041
Inv. No(s).

  337-TA-1491

Contact: Claire Huber, 202-205-1819 USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain vehicle parts and components thereof. 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 General Motors LLC and GM Global Technology Operations LLC, both of Detroit, Michigan, on February 5, 2026. 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 vehicle parts, components thereof, and vehicles containing same by reason of the infringement of certain claims of the patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

AP Auto Parts Industrial Ltd., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
ANTRC Industrial Corp., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Auto Power Co., Ltd., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Best Value Auto Body Supply, Melrose Park, Illinois
CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc., Chicago, Illinois
CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc., Chicago, Illinois
DEPO Auto Parts Ind. Co., Ltd., Chang Hua Shien, Taiwan
Forerunner Automotive Industrial Corp., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Gordon Auto Body Parts Co., Ltd., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Grand HC Auto Tooling Corp., Taipei City, Taiwan
Jiangsu Srumto Auto Parts Co., Ltd., Danyang City, China
Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc., Antioch, Tennessee
LKQ Corporation, Antioch, Tennessee
Maxzone Vehicle Lighting Corp., Fontana, California
Mitchell International, Inc., San Diego, California
Pro Fortune Industrial Co., Ltd., New Taipei City, Taiwan
Power Auto Parts Inc., Warren, Michigan
Quality Collision Parts, Inc., Warren, Michigan
Tong Yang Industry Co. Ltd. Tainan, Taiwan
Y.C.C. Parts Mfg. Co., Ltd (Taiwan), Lukang Town, Taiwan By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1491), 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.