Printer firms cracking down on ink cartridge patent breaches. August 31, 2011 14:02 by Mike Derges
Companies in the ink cartridge manufacturing industry have stated that they will be cracking down on individuals and organisations that carry out patency fraud.
Two particular firms, HP and Lexmark, have come out strong against copyright violations and believe that these illegal activities should be cracked down on.
HP and the ITC ruling
Recently, HP was awarded a favourable decision by the US International Trade Commission (ITC), with regards to the selling and importing of patent-infringing ink cartridges.
The ITC ruled that MicroJet Technology was a direct infringer against HP's copyright and that Asia Pacific Microsystems was in a contributory position in this patency breach.
It took over a year for the investigation to be completed after HP filed a complaint to the ITC on June 21st 2010.
In its document, it alleged 337 violations of the Tariff Act of 1930 had been broken with regards to the sale and importation of patent infringing HP ink cartridges.
Andy Binder, director of inkjet and web solutions at the company, said: "HP is pleased with the outcome on these matters and the ITC’s pursuit of legal enforcement against practices that violate intellectual property rights."
He added that the firm will continue to ensure the high-quality levels of its products are maintained for future consumers by pursuing action to protect HP's innovations and technologies.
Lexmark want a zero tolerance policy to patent breaches
Following this case, Lexmark announced two European convictions for trademark and counterfeiting violations in Greece and Turkey.
The company stated following the court action: "Lexmark maintains a zero tolerance policy against those who try to violate its trademarks and patents, and takes a firm stance against any individual or company that attempts to defraud its customers".
According to the printer ink firm, an investigation in Turkey led to the conviction of individuals for counterfeiting and trademark breaches with regards to its laser cartridges.
In a raid by local authorities they found thousands of items of patency infringing packaging for Lexmark supplies, materials and manufacturing equipment that was also seized.
After this, there were a number of consumer complaints in Greece claiming that two retail outlets and a wholesaler were involved in selling counterfeit goods.
Following an investigation it led to the arrest and conviction of individuals at the establishments.
Recently, a former employee of the Manhattan Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was sentenced to serve seven and a half years in prison after stealing and reselling more than $1.5 million (£920,000) worth of printer toner between 2007 and 2010.
It is evident that with more offences taking place that ink cartridge firms are becoming tougher in ensuring their copyright is not breached and sentences for such offences can lead to long jail terms.
Posted by Matthew Bird
