U.S. International Trade Commission Begins Investigation on Screen Protectors
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The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has started an investigation into certain screen protectors and their application systems. This investigation stems from a complaint filed by Belkin International, Inc.
Belkin International, based in El Segundo, California, filed this complaint on March 9, 2026. A supplement to the complaint followed on March 13, 2026. Belkin alleges that the import, sale for import, and sale within the United States of specific screen protector products violate U.S. patent laws.
These alleged violations concern three different patents. They are U.S. Patent No. 10,675,817, U.S. Patent No. 10,782,746, and U.S. Patent No. 11,772,320. The complaint claims that the products infringe on certain claims of these patents. It also states that there is a related industry within the United States.
The USITC will look into whether these claims hold true. It will also check if an industry exists as Belkin states. The Commission is seeking to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order upon investigating.
Belkin names Superior Communications, Inc. as the respondent. The company allegedly violates Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The respondent has 20 days to respond to the complaint and investigation notice.
The investigation will focus on screen protectors for devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets. It will also look into the application systems used for these screen protectors, including trays and films.
The Chief Administrative Law Judge of the USITC will assign a presiding Administrative Law Judge to handle this case. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations will not be part of this investigation.
Respondents must file their responses promptly. Failing to respond on time may lead to penalties. These penalties may include an exclusion order or a cease and desist order against the respondent.
The USITC will use its rules and procedures to carry out this investigation. The Commission is working to ensure that all rules are followed and the investigation proceeds as required.
Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, has issued this notice of investigation. It was officially filed on April 10, 2026. The document is available from the Federal Register and can be accessed online.
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