Rumors Rife Over What Sparked the Print-Rite Epson Suit

The battle between Print-Rite and Epson has caught a lot of attention in the print consumables industry ahead of the RemaxWorld Expo that opens its doors to 450 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors on Thursday.

Print-Rite, one of the largest remanufacturers in the world, has taken action in the YiChang Intermediate People’s Court against the defendant Epson China.

A battle between the two imaging companies started 15 years ago when Print-Rite faced its first lawsuit, which just so happened to be brought against them by Epson. Many are now saying the reason for this latest suit is Print-Rite having “payback” or “revenge” with Epson over that costly suit in 2000.

Other rumors have circulated connecting the Print-Rite Epson suit to the historic animosity between China and Japan. Just two weeks before suit was filed, China’s President Xi Jinping, presided over a parade of tanks, missiles and troops as China flaunted its military might during VJ Day Celebrations on September 3.

Print-Rite maintains the only reason the company is taking action is because certain models of inkjet cartridges sold on the Chinese market under the “EPSON” trademark, infringe its patent.

During an RT Media interview for a magazine article 8 weeks ago, Ho maintained Print-Rite has always respected the intellectual property of the OEMs. “You must not infringe!” He told RT Media. At the time mentioned he has often been asked, but will never build, sell or promote cartridges that infringe an OEM patent. He added, “Of course, the OEMs must learn to respect the intellectual property of the aftermarket too. It works both ways.”

Print-Rite’s has invested and developed more than 2,400 patents with the more recent patents being related to its 3D printer technology.

The front cover story in Recycling Times Magazine (pictured), featuring Arnald Ho’s Print-Rite, is now being distributed and copies will be available at the RemaxWorld Expo between October 15 and 17 at the Zhuhai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. RemaxWorld organisers expect the hot topic of discussion will be the recent spate of legal disputes, particularly now an Aftermarket company, Print-Rite, has dared to sue an OEM, Epson, over intellectual property rights. Click here for more details.