US International Trade Commission Launches Investigation into Battery Imports
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The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated an investigation concerning certain secondary cylindrical batteries. This investigation is based on a complaint filed by LG Energy Solution Ltd. of Korea and LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc. on July 21, 2026. The filing is under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
The complaint alleges that certain secondary cylindrical batteries and related products infringe on several U.S. patents held by LG Energy Solution. These patents include U.S. Patent No. 8,420,257, U.S. Patent No. 11,749,866, U.S. Patent No. 12,412,924, U.S. Patent No. 12,412,965, and U.S. Patent No. 12,646,735. The complaint states that improper importation and sale have occurred, violating section 337.
The complainants seek an investigation and request the ITC to issue a limited exclusion order. They also seek cease and desist orders to prevent further infringement.
On August 20, 2026, the ITC considered the complaint. It ordered an investigation to determine if the alleged violations occurred. The investigation will assess if there is infringement of claims on these patents and if a U.S. industry is being established.
The accused products, described plainly, are secondary (rechargeable) cylindrical batteries and their components. Products containing these batteries are also included in the investigation.
Several respondents are named in the investigation. They include EVE Energy Co., Ltd. from China and several other associated entities. Also named are Robert Bosch GmbH from Germany, Koki Holdings Co., Ltd. from Japan, and Chervon (China) Trading Co., Ltd. from China, among others.
The Chief Administrative Law Judge of the ITC will designate a presiding Administrative Law Judge for the investigation. Respondents must submit responses within 20 days of the service of the complaint. If a respondent fails to provide a timely response, this may lead to a waiver of their right to contest the allegations.
The Office of Unfair Import Investigations will not participate as a party in this investigation.
This legal process highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property in international trade. The investigation will determine if the involved parties have indeed violated U.S. laws on imports.
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