U.S. International Trade Commission Issues Exclusion Orders on Exercise Equipment Patents

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On August 14, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission (the Commission) announced new actions regarding certain exercise equipment and their subassemblies.

Patent Infringement Determined

The investigation, started on September 27, 2024, followed a complaint by Balanced Body, Inc. of Sacramento, California. The complaint said that some companies brought products into the U.S. that infringed U.S. Patent No. 8,721,511 (“the ‘511 patent”), U.S. Patent No. D659,208 (“the D’208 patent”), and U.S. Patent No. D659,205 (“the D’205 patent”).

The companies named in the case were:

  • Guangzhou Oasis, LLC d/b/a trysauna.com (Trysauna)
  • Ciga Pilates of Hong Kong
  • Shandong Tmax Machinery Technology Co. Ltd. (Tmax)
  • Shandong VOG Sports Products Co. Ltd. (VOG Sports)
  • Dezhou Bodi Fitness Equipment Co., Ltd. (Dezhou)
  • Suzhou Selfcipline Sports Goods Co., Ltd. (Selfcipline)

Results of the Investigation

Ciga Pilates was removed from the investigation after the complaint was withdrawn against it. The remaining companies—Trysauna, Tmax, VOG Sports, Dezhou, and Selfcipline—did not respond and were found in default.

The investigation later only focused on claim 1 and claim 19 of the ‘511 patent, and the claims of the D’205 and D’208 patents. The Commission found that VOG Sports, Dezhou, and Selfcipline imported products infringing claim 1 of the ‘511 patent and the claim of the D’208 patent. It was also found that the needed domestic industry exists in the U.S.

Commission Remedies

The Commission decided that the correct remedies are:

  • A General Exclusion Order (GEO) that bans all imports infringing claim 1 of the ‘511 patent or the claim of the D’208 patent.
  • A Limited Exclusion Order (LEO) that bans imports of products infringing:
    • claim 19 of the ‘511 patent as to VOG Sports, Dezhou, Selfcipline, and Tmax
    • the claim of the D’205 patent as to Trysauna, VOG Sports, Dezhou, Selfcipline, and Tmax

This ban applies to imports by or on behalf of these respondents.

Public Interest and Bond

The Commission reviewed public interest issues as required by law. No responses were filed by the public. The Commission found that issuing these orders does not go against the public interest. Also, a bond of 100% of the value of the imported products covered by the orders must be posted during the presidential review period.

End of Investigation

With these orders, the investigation is now closed.

The Commission’s actions are based on section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1337) and the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part 210).

Additional Information

The vote took place on August 11, 2025. Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, issued the notice.


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