Computers are getting smaller, therefore, the components used to manufacturer computer hardware shrinks. Case in point; the read/write heads of harddrives. These heads are now so small that the tiny wires that carry the data cannot be soldered into place. Therefore, a type of electrically conductive adhesive is used. Who would have thought that the holders of that patented glue would have petitioned the ITC (International Trade Commission) to investigate, and possible ban these patent infringing drives from ever entering the United States.

The whole issue surround the patent for 'Dissipative Ceramic Bonding Tips' which is held by California residents Steven and Mary Reiber. The method is simply a way to attach ultra-fine wires using pressure rather than solder and heat. The Reibers' are claiming that the likes of Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard and Dell are all guilty of patent infringement. Certainly, those would manufacturer harddrive using this patented bonding method are, and apparently those who would sell PC's that use these harddrives are guilty as well. Using this method of manufacture violates the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, specifically that of section 337 which states that it is illegal to import a good into the United States that infringes upon the patent, trademark, copyright and or intellectual property of the U.S.       

The same had happened with Qualcomm last June when the ITC slapped a ban on the import of their EVDO chips, circuit board modules, and handsets that infringed upon patents held by the competing company Broadcom. That incident sparked an uprising amongst mobile carrier companies - AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint - who used Qualcomm parts in their phones. Eventually, the US Court of Appeals sided with Qualcomm and lifted the ban after many trade groups stated that such a ban would stifle competition and hurt millions of consumers.

And though this could have potential serious repercussions, the ITC is still reviewing the matter and will not decide upon a definate course of action for at least another month. 

It's quite likely though that nothing will come of this. Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard and Dell are tech industry giants, and a ban of their products for some quibbling over what is essentially a pressure sensitive glue, a ban on harddrives could bring an entire nation (citizens, government, industry, business, military, etc.) to its knees.

Where else are we going to store our MP3's?