The U.S. International Trade Commission instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1492 on March 25, 2026, targeting imports of 3D NAND memory chips and high bandwidth memory (HBM) DRAM chips for alleged patent infringement. MonolithIC 3D Inc. of Allen, Texas filed the original complaint on February 17, 2026, with supplements added on February 25 and March 16, 2026.

The investigation covers eight U.S. patents with specific claim sets under scrutiny: claims 8-10, 13-15, and 20 of U.S. Patent No. 12,035,531; claims 1-2, 4-5, 7, 15-18, and 20 of U.S. Patent No. 12,125,737; claims 1-2, 4-5, 7, 15-18, and 20 of U.S. Patent No. 12,243,765; claims 1-5, 7, 15-18, and 20 of U.S. Patent No. 11,342,214; claims 1-2, 4-9, and 11-15 of U.S. Patent No. 11,476,181; claims 1-3, 5-7, 9, 11-13, and 15-16 of U.S. Patent No. 11,594,473; claims 1-6 and 15-19 of U.S. Patent No. 11,862,503; and claims 1-3, 6-7, and 15-20 of U.S. Patent No. 12,225,737.

Scope Definition: Per 19 CFR 210.10(b)(1), the accused products are explicitly defined as "3D NAND memory chips and high bandwidth memory ('HBM') DRAM chips." Trade compliance systems processing entries under HTS Chapter 85 semiconductor classifications should prepare to flag these product categories.

MonolithIC 3D Inc. seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders under the authority of 19 U.S.C. 1337 and 19 CFR 210.10 (2025). A limited exclusion order, if granted, would direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to bar entry of infringing products from specific respondents rather than all sources globally.

The Commission's administrative law judge will evaluate public interest factors under 19 U.S.C. 1337(d)(1), (f)(1), and (g)(1) before issuing findings. Section 337 investigations typically conclude within 12-18 months, meaning potential exclusion orders could take effect as early as Q1-Q2 2027.

API Integration Note: Trade compliance engineering teams should monitor this docket for final determination. If exclusion orders issue, affected HTS codes for memory semiconductors will require flagging logic to identify covered products at entry. Systems caching duty rates and admissibility status must account for potential import prohibitions distinct from standard tariff treatment.

The complaint and non-confidential filings are accessible via the Commission's Electronic Document Information System (EDIS) at edis.usitc.gov. For procedural questions, contact Pathenia M. Proctor at the Office of Unfair Import Investigations at (202) 205-2560.

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