USITC Terminates DRAM Device Investigation Following Settlement
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The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has decided not to review an initial determination regarding an investigation into certain dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices. The investigation, known as Investigation No. 337-TA-1472, has now been terminated.
This investigation began on January 2, 2026. It was based on a complaint from Netlist, Inc., a company located in Irvine, California. The complaint alleged violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. This section deals with unfair practices in import trade, including patent infringement. The alleged violations involved the importation and sale of DRAM devices and related products that infringed on specific U.S. patents.
The investigation named several respondents. These included Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics America, Inc., and Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. It also named Google LLC and Super Micro Computer, Inc. as respondents. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations was also involved.
On August 24, 2026, the investigation was partially terminated concerning some patent claims due to the withdrawal of complaint allegations. Later, on August 18, 2026, Netlist and Samsung filed a joint motion to terminate the investigation completely. They based their motion on a settlement agreement. This agreement resolved the dispute between them and also addressed issues with other respondents receiving products from Samsung.
The administrative law judge issued an initial determination granting this motion to terminate the investigation. The judge considered the public interest and found that it favored settlement to conserve resources. The Commission did not receive any petitions against this determination.
The USITC’s final decision, made on October 6, 2026, officially terminates the investigation. This decision helps avoid unnecessary litigation and related expenses. The authority for this determination comes from section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and related Commission rules.
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