The OEM has accused GPI and Color Imaging of patent infringement, with relation to “certain toner supply containers and components”.
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) issued the details of the complaint, which refer to the importation of toner bottles used in the OEM’s imageRUNNER, imageRUNNER ADVANCE and imagePRESS devices. The OEM is looking to stop the companies from importing the bottles into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States of the aforementioned products.
Canon has requested that the USITC issue “a permanent limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders”. A Limited Exclusion Order (LEO) differs from a General Exclusion Order (GEO), but would still bar the two companies from importing and selling the bottles infringing the patents, as well as enforcing cease and desist orders. Canon previously undertook toner bottle IP cases in the UK against Parsia International, Allcopy Products and PPC Solutions Ltd. Parsia settled with the OEM in October 2013, as did AllCopy in September 2013 and PPC in April 2014.
Color Imaging told The Recycler: “GPI and Color Imaging respect the intellectual property rights of others, including Canon’s.
“They firmly believe that their innovative aftermarket products offer a viable alternative that is beneficial to the consumers, and should not be squeezed out of the market by means other than fair competition in the market.”
Canon is looking to secure a GEO through the USITC regarding the patent infringement case it took out against 33 aftermarket companies “pertaining to certain toner cartridges and their photosensitive drums sold for use in Canon and HP laser beam printers”.
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