Certain Powered Rocker-Recliner and Glider-Recliner Mechanisms and Seating Units Containing Same; Notice of Institution of Investigation

Official abstract: Notice is hereby given that a complaint was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission on August 21, 2026, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of Ultra-Mek, Incorporated of Denton, North Carolina; Leggett & Platt, Incorporated of Carthage, Missouri; and L&P Property Management Company of Carthage, Missouri. Letters supplementing the complaint were filed on September 9, and September 10, 2026. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 based upon the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain powered rocker-recliner and glider-recliner mechanisms and seating units containing same by reason of the infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 8,398,165 ("the '165 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 8,398,168 ("the '168 patent"); U.S. Patent No. 8,016,348 ("the '348 patent"); and U.S. Patent No. 8,297,693 ("the '693 patent"). The complaint further alleges that an industry in the United States exists as required by the applicable Federal Statute. The complainants request that the Commission institute an investigation and, after the investigation, issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.