March 15, 2024
News Release 24-025
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1394
Contact: Philip Stone, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Liquid Coolers for Electronic Components in Computers, Components Thereof, Devices for Controlling Same, and Products Containing Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain liquid coolers for electronic components in computers, components thereof, devices for controlling same, and products containing same. 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 Cooler Master Co., Ltd. of Taipei City, Taiwan; CMI USA, Inc. of Claremont, CA; and CMC Great USA, Inc. of San Jose, CA, on February 14, 2024, and supplemented on March 6, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain liquid coolers for electronic components in computers, components thereof, devices for controlling same, and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd. of Taipei City, Taiwan,
  • SilverStone Technology, Inc. of Chino, CA,
  • Enermax Technology Corp. of Taoyuan City, Taiwan,
  • Enermax USA of Chino, CA,
  • Shenzhen Apaltek Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, China, and
  • Guangdong Apaltek Liquid Cooling Technology Co., Ltd. of Dongguan City, China.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1394), 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.

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