The OEM coalition decided to visit a member factory “for review of the cartridge remanufacturing process”.
The ISC said the visit was indicative of its members’ “continued focus […] on the enforcement of patent rights and other intellectual property which will be beneficial to all stakeholders in the imaging supplies industry”. The coalition last month filed its support of Lexmark in its IP case against remanufacturer Impression Products.
Alan Aprea, Branch chief of the Electronics CEE (Centre for Excellence and Expertise), said: “Our group came away very impressed with all of the great work that Canon is accomplishing both on the manufacturing side at CVI and on the recycling end at CETI.
“This was an excellent opportunity for us to observe the manufacturing of the toner cartridge and how it comes full circle through the recycling process at CETI.”
He added that the OEM is “setting an excellent example of how to run a successful domestic manufacturing operation, along with a state-of-the-art “no landfill” recycling facility” and that the visit “will greatly improve our effectiveness as we continue to protect Canon’s and the other ISC members’ IP at the border.”
Toru Nishizawa, President & CEO of Canon Virginia Inc., who hosted the tour, said at the end of the day: “As you could see through the tours, our operations are not just manufacturing activities but more expanded activities that include a closed-loop resource recycling.
“We would like to continue to expand and deepen our activities and IP protection is a significant element in the process. We and the other members of the ISC appreciate your effort and corporation in this matter.”