Based on a sample of high-tech listed firms in China from 2014 to 2022, this study analyzes the spillover effects of the U.S. Entity List sanctions on the technology originality of non-sanctioned firms within the industry. The research finds that the Entity List sanctions increase the technological risks faced by non-sanctioned firms, prompting them to enhance their technology originality. The novelty, disruption, and criticality of the Entity List sanctions strengthen their direct impact on the technology originality. Specifically, the earlier the Entity List sanction event occurred and the higher the technological dependence of non-sanctioned firms on the sanctioned firms and the U.S., the stronger the positive impact of the sanctions on the technology originality. Further analysis reveals that the higher the firm’s R&D intensity and the greater the number of subsidiaries in NATO region, the stronger the positive impact of the sanctions on technology originality.