12 days agoUSITC Launches Section 337 Probe into Recliner Component Imports
The USITC has begun a Section 337 investigation into possible patent infringements affecting domestic and international manufacturers of powered recliner mechanisms. This could result in significant import restrictions, affecting supply chains and procurement strategies for contractors and vendors within the furniture sector.
13 days agoUSITC Launches Investigation on Wearable Breast Pumps for Patent Infringement
The USITC has started a Section 337 investigation targeting alleged patent violations by wearable breast pump manufacturers. This initiative impacts various companies, including vendors in China and Hong Kong, potentially leading to import restrictions that might alter market dynamics significantly.
16 days agoCourt Dismisses Federal Photo Claim, State Claims Against Photographer Continue
A federal court dismissed Amy Taylor’s false-endorsement claim against photographer Jamie Nelson, allowing state-level appeals to persist. This outcome emphasizes the need for creative professionals to navigate both federal and state legal frameworks when licensing intellectual property in procurement contracts.
19 days agoUSITC Launches Section 337 Investigation on Electronic Device Patent Violations
The U.S. International Trade Commission has launched a Section 337 investigation into audio technology patent infringements by major tech companies including Apple and Google, prompted by a complaint from BoomCloud 360 Inc. Procurement professionals need to prepare for potential trade remedies which could disrupt supply chains and sourcing strategies.
34 days agoFLC Launches Innovative Forum to Enhance Federal Technology Transfer Collaboration
The Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) has introduced 'Ask the FLC Experts,' an online discussion forum aimed at improving knowledge sharing for federal technology transfer professionals. This resource will streamline expert access to support more effective technology commercialization and strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and private industry.
46 days agoUSITC Launches Investigation on Battery Patent Infringements
The U.S. International Trade Commission has started a Section 337 investigation into patent infringements concerning secondary cylindrical batteries. This could result in significant changes to supply chains for government contractors involved in battery-powered technologies, particularly if import restrictions are enforced.
60 days agoCBP Secures $4 Million in Counterfeit Products at Houston Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently seized nearly **$4 million** in counterfeit goods at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This ongoing enforcement underscores challenges related to intellectual property rights, which could drive demand for advanced technologies in customs compliance and supply chain security.
70 days agoCBP Seizes $9M in Counterfeit FIFA Merchandise at Houston Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized almost **$9 million** in counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026™ merchandise at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, highlighting the agency's commitment to intellectual property protection. This incident signifies increased scrutiny of goods entering the U.S., which may affect procurement strategies related to supply chain security and compliance.
73 days agoState Government Clarifies Contractor Software Sales Ethics and Legality
A recent clarification on the sale of self-developed software by state contractors underscores the importance of compliance with **intellectual property** rules. Contractors must ensure they develop software independently and avoid conflicts of interest when selling to the state.
75 days agoUSITC Launches Investigation on Adjustable Child Carriers, Implications for Procurement
The USITC has initiated a Section 337 investigation on adjustable child carriers following a patent infringement complaint by The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. This action may lead to exclusion orders affecting the importation and sales of these products in the U.S., highlighting potential disruptions in the supply chain for procurement professionals.
80 days agoUSPTO and Ghana Forge Groundbreaking Patent Agreement to Boost Economic Growth
The USPTO and Ghana's IP office have established an Accelerated Patent Grant arrangement, enhancing IP protection and expediting patent processes for U.S. firms in Ghana. This partnership could lead to increased procurement opportunities in intellectual property services and technology solutions, reflecting a significant shift in international patent collaboration.
81 days agoUSITC Launches Investigation on Foundry Coke Imports Over Patent Infringement Concerns
The U.S. International Trade Commission has commenced a Section 337 investigation into foundry coke imports due to allegations of patent infringement from SunCoke and Jewell Coke. This could lead to significant trade restrictions in the U.S. market, impacting procurement strategies for contractors reliant on these products.
111 days agoCBP's Operation Winner's Circle Targets Counterfeit FIFA Merchandise in Indianapolis
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seized 1,578 counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026™ items valued at $134,594 during Operation Winner's Circle in Indianapolis. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to protect intellectual property rights and may impact procurement strategies for vendors involved in high-profile events.
115 days agoUSPTO Extends Fast-Track Appeals Program Until 2028, Boosting Patent Support Services
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has extended its Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program until May 6, 2028. This extension aims to expedite ex parte appeal reviews, creating increased demand for legal and consulting services in the intellectual property sector.
117 days agoUSITC Launches Investigation Into NAND and DRAM Memory Chips for Patent Infringement
The US International Trade Commission has opened a Section 337 investigation targeting NAND and DRAM memory chips, driven by a complaint from MonolithIC 3D Inc. Companies in the semiconductor supply chain should prepare for potential import restrictions and assess their procurement strategies accordingly.
122 days agoUSITC Launches Investigation on Smart Devices Over Patent Infringement Claims
The U.S. International Trade Commission has started a Section 337 investigation into smart devices due to a patent complaint by Cerence against Amazon. This could result in import restrictions affecting the smart device supply chain, prompting contractors and procurement teams to evaluate compliance and sourcing strategies.
123 days agoUSITC Launches Investigation into Pickleball Paddle Patent Infringement
The USITC has begun a Section 337 investigation into patent infringement involving certain pickleball paddles. This could result in import restrictions affecting several manufacturers, highlighting procurement and compliance risks for companies in the sporting goods sector.
126 days agoUSTR Launches Section 301 Investigation into Brazil's Trade Practices
The U.S. Trade Representative has identified Brazilian trade policies as restrictive to U.S. commerce, proposing potential trade actions. This move could significantly affect U.S. companies engaged in commerce with Brazil, particularly in digital trade and agriculture, necessitating proactive strategies for compliance and supply chain adjustments.
160 days agoFederal Circuit Ruling Strengthens Cisco's Cybersecurity Patent Position
The U.S. Court of Appeals has confirmed that Cisco Systems did not infringe Centripetal Networks' patents. This ruling offers clarity for procurement professionals regarding Cisco's cybersecurity products and their implications in federal acquisitions by mitigating patent infringement risks.