Seiko Epson Sues 24 Firms in U.S. Over Ink Cartridge Patents

By Kyodo News International, Tokyo

Feb. 21–TOKYO — Seiko Epson Corp. said Tuesday it has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission against 24 firms suspected of infringing on patents covering ink cartridges for Seiko Epson inkjet printers.

These firms manufacture, import or distribute aftermarket ink cartridges for resale in the United States, Seiko Epson said.

The complaint, lodged last Friday, asks the ITC to issue a general exclusion order prohibiting the companies from importing and selling the cartridges in the United States, the Japanese firm said.

The 24 companies include 13 from the United States, five from Hong Kong, three from China, and one each from Macao, Germany and South Korea.

Seiko Epson also said it has filed a separate suit with the U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon, against the same 24 firms, seeking damages as well as a permanent injunction against such patent infringement.

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