Two Companies’ Ink Cartridge Products Banned

Smart A Inc. and Appearances International LLC, which are based in California and Michigan respectively, confronted seizure and forfeiture orders while they were attempting to import certain ink cartridges into the U.S.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (Customs) has denied the entry of the two companies’ products and filed documents stating that their products are covered by 337-TA-565 general exclusion order (GEO). The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) approved the Custom’s statements and decided to issue seizure and forfeiture orders against the two companies. Hence, any certain ink cartridges and components imported by the two companies will be seized by the customs.

Epson filed a complaint on February 3, 2011, requesting an investigation under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Epson claimed that 11 of its U.S. patents were infringed: 5,156,472; 5,158,377; 5,221,148; 5,488,401; 5,615,957; 5,622,439; 6,502,917; 6,550,902; 6,955,422; 7,008,053 and 7,011,397. Later, USITC terminated the investigation with a GEO on April 16, 2012.

You’re Welcome to Contact Us!
You can provide opinions and comments on this story!
Or you can send us your own story!
Please contact Violien Wu, Head of News & Editorial, via violien.wu@iRecyclingTimes.com