Investigation Launched into Alleged Patent Violation of Vehicle Space Guards

Estimated reading time: 1–5 minutes

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has announced the start of an investigation. This is due to a complaint concerning certain vehicle space guards. The investigation falls under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended.

Background Information:

The complaint was filed on June 1, 2026. It was submitted by Johnathan Black Kotyk from Atlantic Beach, Florida. He later made changes to the complaint on June 17, 2026, and added more information on June 22, 2026. The complaint claims that there are violations of section 337. It says that there is illegal importation and sale of specific vehicle space guards.

The claim focuses on the infringement of certain sections of U.S. Patent No. 7,527,314. This patent is referred to as the ‘314 patent. The complaint also supports that there is an industry in the United States linked to this. The complainant asked for an investigation. He also requested a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

Details of the Investigation:

The ITC reviewed the complaint. On July 1, 2026, they decided to start an investigation. It will determine if there is a violation of subsection (a)(1)(B) of section 337. This involves the importation, sale for importation, or sale within the United States, after importation, of the said products due to infringement of certain claims of the ‘314 patent.

The investigation refers to products described as “vehicle space guards having attachment means for car seats.”

Involved Parties:

Entities reported to be in violation include:

  • Drop Stop, LLC
  • The Container Store, Inc.
  • Walmart, Inc.
  • 232 Technologies Inc.
  • Sportman’s Market Inc. (Sporty’s)

The ITC’s Office of Unfair Import Investigations will also be involved.

Legal Process:

The respondents must reply to the amended complaint and this notice within 20 days of receiving them. This follows section 210.13 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. Extensions for this period will be rare unless valid reasons are provided.

If a respondent does not respond on time, they may lose their right to contest the allegations. This means the facts could be decided in favor of the complainant. It may also lead to the issuance of an exclusion order or a cease and desist order.

The Chief Administrative Law Judge of the ITC will select a presiding judge for this investigation.

Additional information can be accessed on the ITC’s website at www.usitc.gov.

Issued by the order of the Commission on July 1, 2026, signed by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission.


Legal Disclaimer

This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.