U.S. International Trade Commission Reviews Case on Crafting Machines
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The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is reviewing a case involving crafting machines. This investigation is called Investigation No. 337-TA-1426. It started because a company named Cricut, Inc. complained about certain machines being imported into the United States. They say these machines infringe on their patents.
The case includes several patents. These are important legal protections for inventions. Cricut claims that other companies are using their patented ideas without permission. This is against Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
The investigation began on December 11, 2024. The complaint involves crafting machines and their parts. Cricut says these machines infringe on six of their patents. The patents are numbered U.S. Patent No. 11,208,758, U.S. Patent No. 11,905,646, U.S. Design Patent No. D893,563, U.S. Design Patent No. D910,724, U.S. Design Patent No. D926,237, and U.S. Patent No. D1,029,090.
The investigation names several companies from China as respondents. These companies include Bozhou Wanxingyu Technology Co. Ltd., Bozhou Zhongdaxiang Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Sishun E-Commerce Co., Ltd., LiPing Zhan, Hunan Sijiu Technology, Co. Ltd., Guangdong Rongtu Technology Co., Ltd., and SainStore Technology Co., Ltd.
Some companies have already been found in default. A company is in “default” when it does not respond or participate in the investigation. These companies are part of two groups called the Vevor Respondents and Konduone. Default findings mean that these companies did not defend themselves in the case.
The investigation also includes a review of a new type of crafting machine made by HTVRONT. This review is to decide if the new machine infringes on Cricut’s patents.
On January 21, 2026, a decision was made. The decision found that Konduone violated Section 337 as to some patents. It also found that the Vevor Respondents violated Section 337 for a specific design patent. However, it found no violation for other patents because Cricut did not provide evidence for those.
If the final decision finds violations, it could result in an exclusion order. An exclusion order would stop these machines from being imported into the U.S. Another possible outcome is a cease and desist order. This would stop the companies from selling these machines in the U.S.
The ITC is now asking for written comments from the public and interested parties. They want to know how any orders might affect the public and the economy. They also want to know if any bond should be required during a review period.
The ITC has set deadlines for these comments. They should be submitted by April 28, 2026. There can be replies to these submissions by May 5, 2026.
The outcome of this investigation is important. It will decide if the machines will continue to be sold or imported into the United States. It is also an important case for those who hold patents, as it deals with protecting inventions.
By order of the Commission, this investigation and its details are part of the official record. This ensures a fair and thorough process.
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This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.
