The U.S. International Trade Commission voted to investigate a major type of memory known as DRAM from Micron Technology, as well as several server makers that use those chips in their products.

The federal agency said its investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Netlist, an Irvine, Calif.-based memory provider. The complaint alleges violations of federal tariff laws, claiming certain DRAM devices-and products containing them-were imported and sold in the U.S., infringing on its patents.

In addition to Micron, USITC said it would investigate server manufacturers Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Super Micro Computer and Lenovo Group.

The USITC said it would assign the case to an administrative law judge who will schedule and hold a hearing, and make an initial determination on whether there is a violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. That initial determination is subject to review by the USITC.