Epson has issued information for importers and resellers.
The legal requirements for importing ink cartridges for Epson desktop printers may be changed drastically by ITC orders expected October 19, 2007.
Epson has launched a dedicated website related to this issue http://itc.epson.com/ and has released the following statement:
“As many vendors in the aftermarket ink industry know, Epson has asked the
“The International Trade Commission is reviewing the ID and is scheduled to issue a Final Determination (FD) on October 19. The FD will describe the patent claims found to be valid and infringed, and the remedies approved by the Commission. These remedies may include a General Exclusion Order prohibiting all imports of infringing cartridges for Epson desktop printers into the U.S. after the Presidential Review, a large bond for which the Judge recommended $13.60 per cartridge for imports during the 60-day Presidential Review Period, and Cease and Desist Orders that prevent named respondents from selling infringing cartridges imported before the ITC order.
“Epson has created this website to assure that importers and resellers are not caught unaware of the regulations that may take effect after the FD on October 19. Because of long lead times for placing and shipping foreign orders, the main concern for importers may be the large bond that could be required for imports that enter the
Recycler will be covering this news as it happens….