Aster Responds to Static Control

Two imaging aftermarket companies are doing battle over the alleged infringement of patents held by Ninestar.

Aster Graphics, based in Zhongshan in southern China quizzed Static Control Components (SCC) over its accusation on June 29 that Aster was infringing certain Ninestar patents. In response, SCC and its affiliated companies allegedly told Aster’s major customers in Hong Kong, Europe and America, the very next day, it was taking “legal action” against Aster.

Shocked by the escalation of hostilities, Aster filed a lawsuit against SCC on July 7, seeking a declaratory judgment of non-infringement of the Ninestar ’742 and ’949 patents.

“Static Control has made false and misleading claims by taking legal action against Aster, a spokesperson told RT Media, “Aster is being damaged by the dissemination of these unfounded allegations by Static Control’s parent and affiliated companies.”

Aster Graphics says it was granted its own patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (Patent No. 8731435) in May, 2014 and by the German Patent and Trademark Office (Patent Nos. DE212014000227, DE202016103441) in July, 2016.

In a statement, Aster added, “Since our inception in 2011, Aster Graphics has made innovation a core business initiative. Our respect for the intellectual property rights and patents of all third parties, whether OEM or aftermarket manufacturers, is a paramount principle. After six years, this strategy has catapulted Aster Graphics to a leadership position in the industry as we have consistently provided patented and quality product choices for our customers.”

SCC filed its lawsuit against Aster in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on July 17.