The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation into whether Samsung Electronics, Google, NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Super Micro Computer infringed Netlist memory chip patents. The patents at issue cover HBM (high-bandwidth memory) and DDR5 memory. The ITC has agreed to hold a hearing for this case on July 16. This is Netlist’s second lawsuit against the ITC; this time, it expands both the companies involved and the scope of the patents at issue.
ITC Launches Investigation Into Five Companies Involved in Netlist Patents
According to an ITC notice, the commission agreed that the case will be heard on July 16, 2026. The investigation targets the following:
- Samsung Electronics
- Google
- NVIDIA
- Broadcom
- Super Micro Computer
Netlist claims that the HBM- and DDR5-related products of the five companies infringe its patents. Both memory formats are key components in servers that run AI workloads. This is Netlist’s second lawsuit to the ITC; this time, it expands the range of companies and patents involved based on its first complaint.
ITC Investigation Sanctions Mechanism: Direct Impact of Import Bans on the HBM Supply Chain
The ITC’s core sanctions tool is an import ban, which differs from monetary damages rulings by local courts: if it finds that an infringement involves a valid U.S. patent, the ITC can issue an order barring relevant products from being imported. The threat of such bans is aimed at companies exporting memory, accelerators, and servers to the U.S. from other countries.
HBM supply is currently nearly fully reserved. The race among hyperscale cloud operators to build AI infrastructure has pushed manufacturers’ selling prices upward. The HBM and DDR5 patents asserted by Netlist are among the most constrained product lines in the AI server supply chain.
Background on the AI Memory Market: Samsung’s Q2 Profit Forecast of 89.4 Trillion Won
Samsung Electronics predicted in early July 2026 that its Q2 operating profit will reach approximately 89.4 trillion won—about 19 times that of the same period last year. The company said strong demand is mainly driven by AI memory, including HBM, server DRAM, and NAND flash memory.
Investors view the performance of Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron Technology as a bellwether for the entire AI chip market. Based on market observations, the price trends of Korean memory stocks often spill over into Micron Technology and technology and semiconductor-related funds.
FAQ
Which companies is the U.S. ITC investigating for Netlist patent claims, and when will the hearing be held?
According to the ITC notice, the investigation targets Samsung Electronics, Google, NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Super Micro Computer. The patents at issue cover HBM and DDR5 memory, and the ITC has agreed that the case will be heard on July 16, 2026.
What could the outcome of an ITC investigation be?
According to the ITC’s function description, the ITC cannot award monetary damages. However, if it finds that there are acts infringing valid U.S. patents, it can issue an import ban order to prevent relevant products from entering the U.S. market; the specific ruling will be subject to the ITC’s official announcement.
What is Samsung’s profit forecast for Q2 2026?
Samsung Electronics predicted in early July 2026 that its Q2 operating profit will reach approximately 89.4 trillion won—about 19 times that of the same period last year. The company attributed the forecast to strong demand for AI memory such as HBM, server DRAM, and NAND flash memory.
