OEMs Protect IPRs Worldwide

Lexmark has seized millions of dollars of counterfeit supplies and supplies packaging each year. Fighting against counterfeit products can be expected as the industry issue.

Andrew Gardner, Worldwide Brand Protection Manager at Lexmark, said the company has been protecting itself and its customers, channel partners and distributors from issues with counterfeit, patent issues and grey market. Lexmark has conducted global investigations, customs and law enforcement, sales and channel education programs, as well as channel audit and compliance programs.

As reported, Imaging Supplies Coalition (ISC) estimates counterfeiting of printer supplies at $3 billion annually. Mr. Garner comments that the action can be regarded as the industry issue.

It is said that Lexmark has conducted raids against counterfeit supplies and supplies packaging worldwide, including Turkey and Brazil. Also, legal action has been taken worldwide by many printer OEMs’ to protect intellectual property rights. In addition to Brother, Canon, Epson, HP, Samsung and Xerox, Lexmark has started its litigation in the US, Brazil, Germany against companies manufacturing, distributing and selling patents infringing clones.

The reasons for those actions, which, Mr. Garner observed, are aiming to protect OEMs from loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of trust. He also believes that counterfeits are available for all consumable and maintenance items, which make all well-known brands be targeted.