Ninestar says it has always had an investment in patent technology, and has maintained an analyst team since it began operations.
This commitment has only increased following several difficult legal battles Ninestar says it now holds more than 350 patents, and boasts a 20-person Patent Analyst team and 10 patent attorneys based around the world.
“The leading role of Ninestar puts it in a position full of opportunities as well as difficulties,” the company said. “In 2006, USITC337 lawsuit drew international attention and Ninestar was the only remanufacturer out of 24 who stood until the end.
“Since the ITC337, Ninestar has settled 90 percent of the lawsuits, while the other 10 percent are still pending. In the first half of 2011, 15 warning letters from OEM were sent to many retailers who are selling ordinary compatible cartridges in Europe and 7 companies were investigated by HP in ITC337.”
Canon and Lexmark both launched legal action against Ninestar in 2011 and many other aftermarket companies over a variety of toner cartridge patents, with both cases entering settlements earlier this year. The company has also had several clashes with Epson over inkjet patents.
Ninestar concluded: “Who will be the next? We don’t know, but one thing we know for sure, is that enterprises with reliable patents and strong financial resources will be longevity.”
The company also recently announced the launch of its Glora II ink, as well as new updates to its patented valve technology.