Print-Rite Epson Suit: A First by a Remanufacturer

Print-Rite’s lawsuit with Epson in China is probably the first action taken by a cartridge remanufacturer against an OEM, certainly in China.

Print-Rite, one of the largest remanufacturers in the world, has taken action in the YiChang Intermediate People’s Court against Epson China and Yichang Chuxing Weye Computer Limited Company. Print-Rite believes that certain models of inkjet cartridges sold on the Chinese market under the “EPSON” trademark, infringes its patent. Print-Rite wants Epson to stop infringing their patent and to collect damages.

There have been a number of suits by the Aftermarket manufacturers of components. Among the notables include US-based Steven Michlin (LaserLand), whose 39 patented inventions solved many complex problems in the adoption of the electrophotographic process to laser printers and copiers. Some of these solutions were later utilized by a number of major OEMs, leading to a series of high stake patent lawsuits, all of which ended in confidential settlements. In 2011, US-based Advanced Cartridge Technologies successfully sued Lexmark International over three patents that cover inventions including a locking method for universal toner cartridges. Following various suits, rulings and countersuits between Lexmark International and Static Control Components (SCC) between 2004 and 2014, the US Supreme Court unanimously affirmed SCC’s position.

Print-Rite’s suit, however, is the first suit by a cartridge remanufacturer, certainly in China.

Since 1996, the company has researched and developed its own patented technologies and  claims to now hold more than 2,400 imaging patents, more than any other Aftermarket cartridge remanufacturer in the world.

According to Print-Rite, the purpose of its claim is “to have Epson stop their infringement of their patent and to collect damages for the patent infringement, in accordance with Chinese law.” The statement from Print-Rite says, “Throughout the development, sales and marketing process, Print-Rite respects the intellectual property rights of other companies and individuals and expects others to do the same. Print-Rite is committed to taking legal action against anyone who does not respect Print-Rite’s intellectual property rights.”