Certain Pickleball Paddles; Inv. No. 337-TA-1503

The ITC instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1503 based on Sport Squad, Inc. d/b/a JOOLA's complaint alleging Section 337 violations involving imported pickleball paddles that infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 12,465,826 and 12,357,891. The investigation targets multiple respondents, including Franklin Sports, Proton entities, Engage entities, Diadem, Paddletek-related entities, ProXR-related entities, UPP-related entities, All Racquet Sports/All For Padel, Volair, and others, and covers pickleball paddles with a core made of foam or other material and various filler materials. This investigation places competitive pickleball paddle technology squarely before the ITC, with potential exclusion-order consequences for a rapidly growing sporting-goods market. If JOOLA succeeds, accused imported paddles could be barred from the U.S. market, affecting product availability, brand competition, and supply chains for advanced paddle-core constructions. The asserted patents are U.S. Patent Nos. 12,465,826 and 12,357,891, with the investigation covering claims 1-16 and 18-20 of the '826 patent and claims 1-29 of the '891 patent. The accused products are defined as pickleball paddles with a core, comprised of foam or other material, and various filler materials. The Commission instituted the investigation on June 4, 2026, seeks to determine infringement and domestic industry, and OUII will not participate as a party.