The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain boiler protection for absorption refrigeration systems and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by behalf of ARPC LLC and Paul Unmack of Butte, Montana, on May 14, 2025. A supplement was filed on May 23, 2025. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain boiler protection for absorption refrigeration systems and components thereof that infringe the patent asserted by the complainant. 

The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

• Kuofanghenanmaoyiyouxiangongsi, Zheng Zhou, China
• Wuhujiaoxiangdianzishangwuyouxiangongsi, Wu Hu, China
• Wang Hai Ping, Guang Zhou China
• Shenzhenshi Xiangfan Xinxizixun Youxiangongsi, Shen Zhen, China
• Ruianshichensumaoyiyouxiangongsi, Zhe Jiang, China
• Qingyuannuozedianzishangwuyouxianzerengongsi, GuangDong, China
• Wuhu Tianhao e-commerce Co., Ltd, An Hu, China
• shen zhen shi hong kang da ke ji you xian gong si, Guang Dong, China
• guangzhou yingpeng dianzi shangwu youxiangongsi, Guang Dong, China
• shen zhen shi xing han xing dian zi shang wu you xian gong si, Guang Dong, China

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1453), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission. 

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.