U.S. Opens Section 337 Patent Probe Targeting LCD Makers Across Asia

The investigation traces to complaints filed in mid-2025 alleging infringement of patents originally held by an entity tied to Epson and now asserted by BH Innovations, Longitude Licensing and related firms. The ITC’s notice, published in the Federal Register, instituted an inquiry under Section 337 to determine whether the importation or sale of certain LCD devices, components, or products containing them violates U.S. patent rights, and whether relief such as limited exclusion orders is appropriate. Named respondents include major brands and panel makers such as TCL, Hisense, HKC and others operating in multiple Asian jurisdictions.

Beyond legal arguments over patent scope and claim validity, the case has immediate commercial implications. TV and display manufacturers rely on tightly optimised global supply chains and thin margins; an ITC exclusion order could force redesigns, sourcing shifts or temporary halts to imports into the U.S., potentially raising costs for retailers and consumers. The ITC process also allows for a relatively swift injunction-style remedy compared with district-court litigation, which heightens the leverage of complainants seeking to block products during adjudication. Industry analysts warn the case could reverberate across downstream sectors that embed LCD panels, from consumer TVs to some industrial displays.

Geopolitically, the probe arrives amid broader tensions around technology, trade and intellectual property between the U.S. and Asian manufacturing hubs. While patent enforcement is a routine commercial tool in many jurisdictions, high-profile Section 337 cases have in recent years intersected with national-security and industrial-policy debates, prompting scrutiny from exporters and governments alike. Respondent companies and their home governments may engage in lobbying or diplomatic channels as the case unfolds; meanwhile, purchasers and OEMs will assess contingency plans, such as alternative suppliers, stockpiling, or licensing negotiations.

The ITC’s investigation is now underway, and stakeholders should watch for key milestones: the ITC’s determination of violation and remedy recommendations (typically within months after hearings), any preliminary administrative actions, and parallel litigation on patent validity in federal court. The outcome will shape near-term commercial operations for affected suppliers and could influence how the display industry balances IP risk, supply-chain diversification and investment in next-generation panel technologies.