USITC opens vertical power-delivery patent probe naming Luxshare

The U.S. International Trade Commission opened a Section 337 investigation on October 9 into alleged patent infringement involving vertical power-delivery systems, naming Luxshare Precision Industry and its Dongguan Luxshare Technology subsidiary among 20 respondents.

If Vicor ultimately prevails, the investigation could affect imports and U.S. sales of covered power-delivery components and computing systems. At this stage, however, Vicor’s infringement claims remain allegations, and the commission said it has made no decision on the merits. Vicor filed its complaint on September 9 and supplemented it the next day.

Vertical power delivery places point-of-load conversion beneath or within a processor’s footprint instead of only beside the chip, shortening the high-current path. That architecture matters for AI servers because processors such as GPUs and custom accelerators demand large currents; shorter paths can reduce resistive losses and the heat they produce. Vicor’s patent, titled Delivering power to semiconductor loads, describes loads including CPUs, GPUs and ASICs and says GPU current can exceed 500 amperes. Vicor’s broader efficiency and power-density claims have not been independently validated.

Luxshare identified U.S. Patent No. 10,903,734 as the patent at issue. In its exchange-listed disclosure, the company said the relevant data-center products integrate power modules with processors, remain in customer validation and have not entered mass production. Based on that business stage, Luxshare said it does not expect the investigation to materially affect its current production, operations or current-period results. That is the company’s preliminary assessment, not an independent finding.

Luxshare said it is studying the patent and products and organizing technical, legal and business teams. It is also evaluating product designs and possible technical changes. Vicor has requested a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders, but the commission has not granted those remedies. An administrative law judge will hold an evidentiary hearing and issue an initial determination, and the commission said it will set a target date for completing the investigation within 45 days of institution.