Asia Tech Hardware & Japan/EU Semis: U.S. Section 337 Investigation into VPD - implications for power supply chain

On October 9, the USITC instituted a Section 337 investigation into certain vertical power delivery systems (VPD), related components, and computing systems containing such products, based on a complaint filed by Vicor. Vicor alleges patent infringement and is seeking a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders. The investigation names 20 respondent entities, including Delta, Luxshare, Infineon and Quanta. The USITC has not determined whether infringement occurred and will set a target completion date within 45 days of institution. Vicor previously brought complaints that led to two Section 337 investigations involving power converter products, the first resulting in a final USITC determination in February 2025 and the second instituted in February 2026 remaining ongoing. VPD places voltage regulators beneath the AI processor rather than beside it, shortening the high current power path;