OEM requests extension to complaint response as settlement proposals are exchanged.
A letter from Richard H. Silberberg, 
Partner-in-Charge of Dorsey & Witney and representative of Canon in its suit against Merizon Group, has revealed that the OEM is engaging in settlement discussions following a request for an extension to its complaint response.
The letter, addressed to Judge Wexler, states that “written settlement proposals have been exchanged” and “the parties’ discussions and negotiations are continuing”. While the original response deadline was 24 September, Canon has requested an extension to 24 October.
Plaintiffs Merizon Group and R.K. Dixon, which was purchased by Xerox in late 2011, have consented to the requested extension.
The case began in June 2012, after Merizon Group and R.K. Dixon filed antitrust and contract suits against Canon after the OEM stopped selling necessary parts and allegedly “conspired and engaged in joint efforts with other office imaging equipment dealers to put Merizon and R.K. Dixon at a competitive disadvantage” following the buyout from Xerox.