U.S. International Trade Commission Starts Investigation on Wearable Breast Pumps
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The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has started a new investigation about some wearable breast pumps. This investigation began because of a complaint filed on August 20, 2026. The complaint was from Willow Innovations, Inc., a company from Mountain View, California, and Willow Blossom HoldCo Ltd. from the United Kingdom.
The complaint says that some wearable breast pumps and milk storage containers are being imported and sold in the United States. This happens after they come into the country. The complaint claims that these products infringe, which means they violate, certain U.S. patents. A patent gives someone the right to be the only person making, using, or selling their invention.
The patents in question are U.S. Patent No. 11,660,380, U.S. Patent No. 12,370,292, U.S. Patent No. D1,053,344, U.S. Patent No. 11,813,388, and U.S. Patent No. D1,031,993. The complaint also says that there is a related industry in the United States. It asks the Commission to look into this issue and to possibly stop the importing and selling of these products.
The products being looked at are described as “wearable breast pumps, associated milk storage containers, and components including separately sold milk collection containers and replacement parts.”
The investigation started officially on September 21, 2026. The purpose is to see if the breast pumps and related products really do infringe on these patents.
The investigation also wants to see if there is an industry in the United States for these products or if such an industry is being built.
The companies being investigated are based in different parts of the world, including China, Hong Kong, and the United States. Some of them are: Shenzhen Root Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. in China, Hong Kong Lute Technology Co., Ltd. in Colorado, USA, and Root Technology, Ltd. in California, USA.
The USITC won’t have the Office of Unfair Import Investigations participate as a party in this investigation.
For those named in the investigation, they must respond to the complaint within 20 days. If they don’t, they might not be able to defend themselves later.
This investigation could lead to some companies not being allowed to import or sell certain breast pumps in the United States if they are found guilty.
By: USITC News Desk
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