US trade commission opens patent investigation into SK hynix DRAM and NAND products

The U.S. International Trade Commission decided on March 26, 2026 to open an investigation into SK hynix and Kioxia after a complaint by MonolithIC 3D. The complaint says some DRAM and NAND flash products infringe seven MonolithIC patents, and it asks for import exclusion and cease-and-desist orders. The ITC has set August 30, 2027 as its target date to finish, and SK hynix says it cannot predict the outcome.

• Complainant: MonolithIC 3D Inc.; respondents SK hynix and Kioxia
• Products: certain DRAM and NAND flash memory products
• Seven patents cited in the first complaint
• ITC target completion date: August 30, 2027