Certain NAND and DRAM Memory Chips and Products Containing the Same; Inv. No. 337-TA-1506

The Commission instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1506 based on MonolithIC 3D Inc.’s complaint alleging Section 337 violations by KIOXIA and SK hynix entities. The investigation covers 3D NAND memory chips, HBM DRAM memory chips, and memory products containing them, including NAND flash/storage products, SSD products, and DRAM products. This investigation targets core semiconductor memory technologies—3D NAND and high-bandwidth DRAM—used in consumer electronics, data centers, AI systems, and enterprise storage. A limited exclusion order or cease and desist orders could affect major memory suppliers and the U.S. supply chain for SSDs, NAND storage, and HBM-enabled products. The asserted patents are U.S. Patent Nos. 12,250,830; 12,362,330; 12,400,961; 12,464,734; and 12,564,006, with specified claims asserted across each patent. Named respondents include KIOXIA Holdings Corporation, KIOXIA Corporation, KIOXIA America, KIOXIA Engineering, KIOXIA Iwate, KIOXIA Systems, KIOXIA Semiconductor Taiwan, SK hynix Inc., SK hynix America Inc., and SK hynix Memory Solutions America Inc. The Commission directed the ALJ to take evidence and make findings on the statutory public interest factors, and respondents must answer within 20 days of service absent good cause for extension.