Aster Graphics responds to Static Control Components lawsuit over patent infringement filed on 17 July.
The company responded to the new lawsuit filed by Static Control Components U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on 17 July. The company statement said:
“On the 29th of June we received a letter from Static Control Corporation (SCC), a Ninestar affiliate, accusing Aster Graphics of violating their dongle gear patents. We carefully reviewed SCC’s allegations and did not see any proof of their claims of violation. We welcomed a discussion with SCC as we sought an explanation to their accusation. Surprisingly, the very next day, SCC and its affiliated companies informed Aster’s major customers of their allegations, including the false and misleading claim that Static Control has taken “legal action” against Aster. Aster is being damaged by the dissemination of these unfounded allegations by Static Control’s parent and affiliated companies.
“In order to protect its interests, on Friday, July 7, Aster filed a lawsuit against SCC for a declaratory judgment of non-infringement of the Ninestar ’742 and ’949 patents.
“In an effort to resolve actual and potential claims between Aster and Static Control, Aster is prepared to delay service of the complaint for a period of time to allow discussions between the parties, with the hope to address the issue outside of legal action. On July 10, Aster sent a communication to SCC’s General Counsel expressing its willingness to resolve the matter outside of the court system.
“It is our firm belief that SCC’s claims are baseless as they are broadly overstating the protection of their patents. We view SCC’s claim as an illegitimate tactic to limit Aster Graphic’s success in the USA market.
“It should also be noted that Aster Graphics was granted its own patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (Patent No. 8731435) in May, 2014 and by the German Patent and Trademark Office (Patent Nos. DE212014000227, DE202016103441) in July, 2016. These patents are for the Aster Graphics design solution for “dongle” gear cartridges sold in the United States and Europe. We are committed to providing our customers IP compliant products that utilize our ingenuity and provide value to the marketplace.”
Since our inception in 2011, Aster Graphics has made innovation a core business initiative. Our respect for the intellectual property rights and patents of all third parties, whether OEM or aftermarket manufacturers, is a paramount principle. After six years, this strategy has catapulted Aster Graphics to a leadership position in the industry as we have consistently provided patented and quality product choices for our customers.”