The largest manufacturer of aftermarket imaging systems and components stated that it “stands proudly” behind its chip technology, noting that “it is truly shocking” that companies continue to infringe patents.
The comment comes after the revelation that HP is suing Datel for supposedly stealing “trade secrets” along the lines of its security for inkjet cartridge chips in order to sell the security keys to clone manufacturers, and Static Control stated that it “stands proudly behind the innovative and patented technologies” it has developed to offer replacement HP inkjet cartridge chips” without breaching the intellectual property of the OEM”.
The company added that the lawsuit “further validates the value and importance of investing in reverse engineering and respect for intellectual property”, noting that it has “long advocated the importance of knowing the supply chain of products to avoid patent and IP infringement”.
Static Control’s Vice President of North American Sales, Bryan Bonacum, also commented on the case in detail, stating: “We don’t scheme at Static Control. We don’t misappropriate. We develop our chip technology in-house. We manufacture our chips in-house. We understand the importance of knowing your supply chain, and that’s why we do it ourselves. We are our supply chain. We stand by our products and will be happy to answer questions about our products or process.
“You can’t just look at a chip and see the IP that is involved. You can’t see the difference between respectfully reverse-engineered technology and technology that has been developed illegally. That’s why it comes down to knowing and trusting your chip supplier. HP alleges chip companies who sell to clones got their technology from Datel. I think remanufacturers need to ask themselves who Datel Holdings was involved with and how much they really know about the chips they purchase.”
He added: “HP has been vigorously defending their IP. At Static Control, we respect the intellectual property of OEMs and protect our own innovations through patents. Cases like this are good for the aftermarket if it helps rid the industry of patent infringing products and clone cartridges.
In terms of remanufacturers being wary of companies in their supply chains in light of the Datel case, Bonacum commented: “Ask for it in writing that they developed the technology and reverse-engineered their own chips. We will gladly do that. It is truly shocking that after all this time and all the lawsuits there are still companies that do not respect the IP of others.”