Thursday, March 18, 2010

HP Scores Win Against Ink Cartridge Manufacturers

Palo Alto-based HP reported today that it has substantially resolved a patent infringement investigation by the United States International Trade (ITC), against a number of importers of HP 02 compatible inkjet supplies. According to HP, it had filed a complaint in September alleging violation of the Tariff Act of 1930, by eleven companies, due to their sale of HP 02 compatible inkjet ink supplies. The firms targeted in the investigation were Zhuhai Gree Magento-Electric Co. Ltd, InkPlusToner.com, SmartOne Services/InkForSale.net; Comptree Inc.; Mipo International; Mextec Group; Shanghai Angel Printer Supplies; Shenzhen Print Media Co. Ltd; Zhuhai National Resources & Jinjie Imaging Product Co. Ltd; Tatix International; and Ourway Image Co Ltd. HP said it has settled with InkPlusToner.com and Comptree Ink, where they will cease and desist from selling cartridges, and will also pay it an undisclosed amount of money; that it expects a similar settlement with SmartOne Services. Zhuhai Gree has agreed to stop selling cartridges; and the ITC has entered default judgements with the other seven. HP said it expects and Exclusion Order against those firm.