ITC Sets Timeline in GM Design Patent Investigation

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a new procedural notice in Investigation No. 337-TA-1491 involving General Motors and a broad group of aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, and technology providers tied to collision repair parts. The latest notice does not address the merits of the case, but it does establish the formal timeline for how the investigation will proceed.

According to the ITC’s May 4, 2026 notice, the Commission declined to review an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decision that amended the investigation schedule. The ITC has now officially set June 21, 2027 as the deadline for the ALJ’s Final Initial Determination and October 21, 2027 as the target date for completion of the investigation.

The adjustment was procedural in nature. The original target date was modified after the ITC determined that the previously scheduled June 18, 2027 deadline fell on a federal holiday.

As previously reported, the investigation stems from design patent claims asserted by GM involving certain replacement collision parts. The complaint seeks broad relief, including potential exclusion orders affecting imported parts and cease-and-desist orders against multiple respondents.

The investigation includes numerous aftermarket companies and also names key estimating and data platform providers including CCC Intelligent Solutions and Mitchell International.

At this stage, no determination on infringement has been made, no exclusion order has been issued, and no new public comment opportunity has been announced.

Many of the companies named in the investigation are ABPA member companies or businesses that play an important role in the broader aftermarket collision repair supply chain. As a result, the ABPA will continue closely monitoring the investigation as it progresses through discovery and litigation before the Administrative Law Judge. Given the potential implications for consumer choice, repair affordability, aftermarket parts availability, and the broader collision repair marketplace, the Association remains engaged and prepared to participate in future public-interest opportunities should they arise.

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