U.S. International Trade Commission Starts Investigation on Open-Ear Earpiece Devices

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On December 23, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) announced it will start an investigation related to certain open-ear earpiece devices. The investigation is case number 337-TA-1470.

Why the Investigation Was Started

Bose Corporation, a company in Framingham, Massachusetts, filed a complaint on September 23, 2025. Bose claims that companies are importing and selling open-ear earpiece devices in the United States that infringe on several Bose patents. Bose says this causes unfair competition and hurts U.S. industry.

The complaint was updated several times, most recently on December 9, 2025. Bose lists six patents that it says are being violated. These patents are:

  • U.S. Patent No. 11,140,469
  • U.S. Patent No. 11,659,313
  • U.S. Patent No. 11,997,442
  • U.S. Patent No. 12,356,132
  • U.S. Patent No. 12,155,984
  • U.S. Patent No. D1,051,103

Bose wants the USITC to issue an order that would prevent the import and sale of these devices in the United States. In addition, Bose asks for cease and desist orders to be given.

What Products Are Named

The products involved are described as “earpiece devices, or more specifically, open-ear earbuds which, unlike traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, do not block the ear canal, allowing users to hear both their audio and ambient sounds simultaneously.”

Who Is Involved

The USITC has named Bose Corporation as the complainant.

The following are the companies and people named as respondents in the investigation:

  • Dongguan Yuanyu Electronic Co., Ltd. d/b/a Ituoray (China)
  • Liu, Yiming d/b/a Yomdud (China)
  • King Lucky Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong)
  • Shenzhen Zhichuang All Technology Co., Ltd. and/or, Abbott Sanag (UK) Group Co., Ltd. d/b/a Sanag (China)
  • Z015 (England)
  • Lingzhong Zhao d/b/a Jzones (China)
  • Shenzhen Mengmengwei Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd. d/b/a Lytmi (China)
  • Shenzhen Maosong Tech. Co., Ltd. d/b/a Ansten (China)
  • U2O Global Co., Ltd. d/b/a IWalk (China)
  • Shenzhen Meichi Electronics Co., Ltd. d/b/a HOMSCAM (China)
  • Shenzhen Shixinhe Dianzi Shangwu Co., Ltd. d/b/a XINHESHUMA (China)
  • Shenzhen Landscape Art Co., Ltd. d/b/a Piluyaa (China)
  • Shenzhen Zhiquhui Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a Yeabomy (China)
  • Shenzhen Carnival Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and/or, Shenzhen Lida Tech. Communication Co., Ltd. d/b/a Shijiaet (China)
  • Shenzhen Shibaishi Dianzi Shangwu Co., Ltd., d/b/a Jiayuu and/or YouDaxing (China)
  • Buy Worry-Free Trade Co., Ltd. d/b/a BST Supply I (Hong Kong)
  • Hong Kong Shihui Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a Wdingxing (Hong Kong)
  • Hong Kong Chuanboyao Technology Ltd., d/b/a Mmanage and/or Ffaithful (Hong Kong)
  • Hong Kong Dora Cross-Border Trading Co., Ltd. d/b/a Doraomi (Hong Kong)
  • Hong Kong Santaizi Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a STZ Sport (Hong Kong)
  • Shenzhen Shiyi Gian Maoyi Co., Ltd. d/b/a Classic Innovation (China)
  • Shenzhen Yanyin Technology Co., Ltd. (China)

The U.S. International Trade Commission’s Office of Unfair Import Investigations is also named as a party.

What Happens Next

On December 18, 2025, the USITC ordered the investigation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and section 210.10 of the Commission’s rules.

A presiding Administrative Law Judge will be chosen to oversee the case.

The named companies and individuals must respond to the complaint and the notice. They must reply within 20 days after they are served. If they do not respond in time, they may lose the right to contest the case. The USITC may issue an exclusion order or cease and desist order without further notice.

More Information

The non-confidential version of the complaint can be found at https://edis.usitc.gov. For more help, people may contact the Office of Unfair Import Investigations at (202) 205-2560.

The public can learn more by visiting https://www.usitc.gov.

This order was issued by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, on December 19, 2025.


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