AlienRides LLC tries and bans all importation of Electric Unicycles using patent law unless licensing fee is paid.: Difference between revisions
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|Description=AlienRides is | |Description=AlienRides is weaponizing patent law to block electric unicycle imports from entering the United States. | ||
|Type=Anti-competitive Behavior, Monopoly|Company=AlienRides}} | |||
{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Please verify you wrote the original Facebook post you pasted here or got permission to post it here|Issue 2=Clean up the Facebook redirect links and add all links as in-text citations}} | |||
AlienRides LLC (aka Alien Technology Group, Alien Rides) is trying to ban all imported electric unicycles unless licensing fee is paid. They claim their patent covers this. | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
Riding electric unicycles is a hobby in the United States involving unicycles with a motor to power and balance itself. Thousands of people enjoy riding electric unicycles and a subculture exists around it, hosting its own events. | |||
==ITC Docket NO. 3877== | ==ITC Docket NO. 3877<!-- this was copy and pasted from a Facebook post. Is this your writing or someone else's? Do you have permission to recreate it entirely here? -->== | ||
A federal investigation (ITC Docket No. 3877) has been initiated to permanently ban nearly all electric unicycles (EUCs) from entering the United States. This filing, led by Inventist and Alien Technology Group (dba Alien Rides), targets InMotion, Begode, LeaperKim, KingSong, and Nosfet. Because the | A federal investigation (ITC Docket No. 3877) has been initiated to permanently ban nearly all electric unicycles (EUCs) from entering the United States. This filing, led by Inventist and Alien Technology Group (dba Alien Rides), targets InMotion, Begode, LeaperKim, KingSong, and Nosfet. Because the US is the largest global market for EUCs, a total US cutoff is predicted to cause a global industry collapse, leading to the bankruptcy of manufacturers and the loss of all EUC-related jobs in America. Public action is required by February 3, 2026. | ||
Reference links are provided at the end of this post. I will provide a follow-up comment with suggested templates and step-by-step instructions to submit your public comments to prevent this from happening. | Reference links are provided at the end of this post. I will provide a follow-up comment with suggested templates and step-by-step instructions to submit your public comments to prevent this from happening. | ||
The 2021 Private Monopoly Agreement | ==== The 2021 Private Monopoly Agreement ==== | ||
The current crisis stems from a private alliance formed in 2021. Shane Chen (Inventist) and Kevin Grandon (Alien Rides) entered into an agreement where Inventist designated Alien Rides as the sole licensed importer and manufacturer of gyroscopic vehicles using Chen’s U.S. Patent No. 8,807,250 (the "'250 patent"). By filing this complaint under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, they are attempting to use federal trade law to enforce a private monopoly, effectively banning all competitors who do not pay a "private tax" or royalty to their partnership. | The current crisis stems from a private alliance formed in 2021. Shane Chen (Inventist) and Kevin Grandon (Alien Rides) entered into an agreement where Inventist designated Alien Rides as the sole licensed importer and manufacturer of gyroscopic vehicles using Chen’s U.S. Patent No. 8,807,250 (the "'250 patent"). By filing this complaint under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, they are attempting to use federal trade law to enforce a private monopoly, effectively banning all competitors who do not pay a "private tax" or royalty to their partnership. | ||
The Global Existential Threat | ==== The Global Existential Threat ==== | ||
Electric unicycles are a specialized, high-tech industry. Manufacturers like Begode, InMotion, LeaperKim, KingSong, and Nosfet rely on the U.S. market for the vast majority of their financial solvency. | Electric unicycles are a specialized, high-tech industry. Manufacturers like Begode, InMotion, LeaperKim, KingSong, and Nosfet rely on the U.S. market for the vast majority of their financial solvency. | ||
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Global Impact: There is no viable secondary market that allows these companies to survive the loss of the United States. If the USA market closes, the global supply of wheels and spare parts will inevitably vanish for everyone, including riders in Europe, Australia, and Asia. | Global Impact: There is no viable secondary market that allows these companies to survive the loss of the United States. If the USA market closes, the global supply of wheels and spare parts will inevitably vanish for everyone, including riders in Europe, Australia, and Asia. | ||
The "Domestic Industry" Mirage | ==== The "Domestic Industry" Mirage ==== | ||
To win an import ban, the complainants must prove they are a "Domestic Industry" capable of serving U.S. demand. However, their actual infrastructure does not match their claims: | To win an import ban, the complainants must prove they are a "Domestic Industry" capable of serving U.S. demand. However, their actual infrastructure does not match their claims: | ||
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Operational Failure: Alien Rides has largely retreated from active importation. Their own website presently (as of January 28, 2026) lists flagship models as "Sold Out" or in "perpetual Pre-order," confirming they lack the warehouse space and funding to satisfy the current U.S. market for sales—let alone the entire industry's demand for manufacturing as well. | Operational Failure: Alien Rides has largely retreated from active importation. Their own website presently (as of January 28, 2026) lists flagship models as "Sold Out" or in "perpetual Pre-order," confirming they lack the warehouse space and funding to satisfy the current U.S. market for sales—let alone the entire industry's demand for manufacturing as well. | ||
The Legal Shield: The 2025 Ruling | ==== The Legal Shield: The 2025 Ruling ==== | ||
On November 14, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in Case 24-1010 (Inventist v. Ninebot) that modern EUC designs featuring recessed or integrated side surfaces do not infringe the '250 patent. This ITC filing is a clear attempt to bypass that higher court decision to secure a forced monopoly that the courts have already signaled is non-existent for modern wheel designs. | On November 14, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in Case 24-1010 (Inventist v. Ninebot) that modern EUC designs featuring recessed or integrated side surfaces do not infringe the '250 patent. This ITC filing is a clear attempt to bypass that higher court decision to secure a forced monopoly that the courts have already signaled is non-existent for modern wheel designs. | ||
The Private Tax on EUC Riders | ==== The Private Tax on EUC Riders ==== | ||
These filings are often used to force manufacturers into "licensing fees" to avoid a total ban. If manufacturers are forced to pay a royalty (historically 30%) to avoid being blocked at the border, those costs are passed directly to you. You will either pay massive price increases per wheel, or you won't be able to buy one at all. | These filings are often used to force manufacturers into "licensing fees" to avoid a total ban. If manufacturers are forced to pay a royalty (historically 30%) to avoid being blocked at the border, those costs are passed directly to you. You will either pay massive price increases per wheel, or you won't be able to buy one at all. | ||
VERIFIED PUBLIC DOCUMENTATION: | VERIFIED PUBLIC DOCUMENTATION:<!-- Please clean these redirected Facebook links up and insert them as references with in-text citations. --> | ||
Official ITC Notice (Jan 26, 2026): Federal Register - Docket No. 3877 - https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F26%2F2026-01333%2Fnotice-of-receipt-of-complaint-solicitation-of-comments-relating-to-the-public-interest%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6iHCbFgzAgSWQNNIR1T0jJdzxSh0MDCmiCYx_DxQRTS80zD76b2R-Fe58NmA_aem_BIPXoS4okrs74VHOzdif2g&h=AT1SxIb1X2Ydkzix8d37r3AV0PwtoGme3XdLCVavdgGtLDMFVhDd20beo44dDmDSvINYTP98D3qgNxNg-J9GGoIWy24Z7DSLtFudvSIiI4ID5ZO7KEeI7E7S3zmFrHSsqjf0PQvMYA_3LWao9w&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c[0]=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ | Official ITC Notice (Jan 26, 2026): Federal Register - Docket No. 3877 - https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F26%2F2026-01333%2Fnotice-of-receipt-of-complaint-solicitation-of-comments-relating-to-the-public-interest%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6iHCbFgzAgSWQNNIR1T0jJdzxSh0MDCmiCYx_DxQRTS80zD76b2R-Fe58NmA_aem_BIPXoS4okrs74VHOzdif2g&h=AT1SxIb1X2Ydkzix8d37r3AV0PwtoGme3XdLCVavdgGtLDMFVhDd20beo44dDmDSvINYTP98D3qgNxNg-J9GGoIWy24Z7DSLtFudvSIiI4ID5ZO7KEeI7E7S3zmFrHSsqjf0PQvMYA_3LWao9w&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c[0]=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ | ||
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===Alien Rides Response=== | ===Alien Rides Response=== | ||
Response from Kevin Granson on FB: | Response from Kevin Granson on FB: <!-- Please shorten this quote to key statements you want to refute. --> | ||
We understand why people are concerned, and we want to help bring some clarity to the situation. | {{Quote|We understand why people are concerned, and we want to help bring some clarity to the situation. | ||
This filing is not a sudden attempt to shut down the EUC industry. The patent involved has existed for many years, and its inventor has been trying to resolve licensing issues for a long time. For years, the technology has been used commercially without any compensation to the patent holder. That was never going to be a permanent situation. | This filing is not a sudden attempt to shut down the EUC industry. The patent involved has existed for many years, and its inventor has been trying to resolve licensing issues for a long time. For years, the technology has been used commercially without any compensation to the patent holder. That was never going to be a permanent situation. | ||
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Ultimately, no one benefits from reduced access, higher prices, or instability in the EUC market. The goal should be a stable and lawful environment where innovation is respected and products remain available. | Ultimately, no one benefits from reduced access, higher prices, or instability in the EUC market. The goal should be a stable and lawful environment where innovation is respected and products remain available. | ||
We encourage everyone to stay engaged, avoid misinformation, and allow the process to play out. We will continue to act in good faith and work toward outcomes that support riders, manufacturers, and the long-term health of the EUC community. | We encourage everyone to stay engaged, avoid misinformation, and allow the process to play out. We will continue to act in good faith and work toward outcomes that support riders, manufacturers, and the long-term health of the EUC community.}} | ||
==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
The Electric Unicycle | The Electric Unicycle forums and Facebook pages are flooded with people against Alien Rides. | ||
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALjhSDVsQ/ | https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALjhSDVsQ/ | ||
Before February 6th 2026 | Before February 6th 2026, you can file a public comment. Instructions are laid out below: | ||
Submitting a formal protest to a government agency like the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is a precise process. The '''Electronic Document Information System (EDIS)''' is the official portal, and because it is a legal repository, it has very specific "rules of the road" that can be difficult to navigate. | Submitting a formal protest to a government agency like the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is a precise process. The '''Electronic Document Information System (EDIS)''' is the official portal, and because it is a legal repository, it has very specific "rules of the road" that can be difficult to navigate. | ||
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</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
==References== | ==References <!-- organize into Wiki citations -->== | ||
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F26%2F2026-01333%2Fnotice-of-receipt-of-complaint-solicitation-of-comments-relating-to-the-public-interest%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6iHCbFgzAgSWQNNIR1T0jJdzxSh0MDCmiCYx_DxQRTS80zD76b2R-Fe58NmA_aem_BIPXoS4okrs74VHOzdif2g&h=AT1SxIb1X2Ydkzix8d37r3AV0PwtoGme3XdLCVavdgGtLDMFVhDd20beo44dDmDSvINYTP98D3qgNxNg-J9GGoIWy24Z7DSLtFudvSIiI4ID5ZO7KEeI7E7S3zmFrHSsqjf0PQvMYA_3LWao9w&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c[0]=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ | https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F26%2F2026-01333%2Fnotice-of-receipt-of-complaint-solicitation-of-comments-relating-to-the-public-interest%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6iHCbFgzAgSWQNNIR1T0jJdzxSh0MDCmiCYx_DxQRTS80zD76b2R-Fe58NmA_aem_BIPXoS4okrs74VHOzdif2g&h=AT1SxIb1X2Ydkzix8d37r3AV0PwtoGme3XdLCVavdgGtLDMFVhDd20beo44dDmDSvINYTP98D3qgNxNg-J9GGoIWy24Z7DSLtFudvSIiI4ID5ZO7KEeI7E7S3zmFrHSsqjf0PQvMYA_3LWao9w&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c[0]=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ | ||
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cafc.uscourts.gov%2Fopinions-orders%2F24-1010.OPINION.11-14-2025_2604045.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7PJvRukg3xZMEOfVkN7ZPUIjTdqzMo2LqnMLILdCSKGheMoZvzw87e0eu2dw_aem_t8vHUbVHd8ZLfTMurjVLFQ&h=AT3Zkh8kBQ7zTUrQFK9h2eNy6mN9n9kxYQn-oYQQV2J8aEF-MaiH327-K93yEBY4nAevIU5iYXyL719Cx85cXv35GuoXeDy0wak3mWU2U4zHJez8jiUDxJxWJD722FFZ4MxCCMAKpp2JNaEbCw&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c[0]=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ | https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cafc.uscourts.gov%2Fopinions-orders%2F24-1010.OPINION.11-14-2025_2604045.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR1AyOVZmbWJPM0F6MnFkWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7PJvRukg3xZMEOfVkN7ZPUIjTdqzMo2LqnMLILdCSKGheMoZvzw87e0eu2dw_aem_t8vHUbVHd8ZLfTMurjVLFQ&h=AT3Zkh8kBQ7zTUrQFK9h2eNy6mN9n9kxYQn-oYQQV2J8aEF-MaiH327-K93yEBY4nAevIU5iYXyL719Cx85cXv35GuoXeDy0wak3mWU2U4zHJez8jiUDxJxWJD722FFZ4MxCCMAKpp2JNaEbCw&__tn__=-U-U-UK-R&c[0]=AT1UDZQ3GorITTx0QUpXY-mjmplmILsFN9pUJH3-h7zKuv2nO7AIOia2EPwP1BT9RO0a6vbc8cAOBQZik33jd008SjT5ED9nguhmb3idsspePSOmJ7X70LQjfeyFfk3JikDShOHcyPjnhdvsT6MqPhmBwNJjCzCMmbnpn5BgGQ | ||
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElectricUnicycle/posts/25736344546036832/?comment_id=25736651642672789 | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElectricUnicycle/posts/25736344546036832/?comment_id=25736651642672789 | ||
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALjhSDVsQ/ | https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALjhSDVsQ/ | ||
{{Ph-I-C}} | {{Ph-I-C}} | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||