Japanese firm files twin ITC complaints against 20 alleged infringing respondents.
Epson has filed two complaints with the US International Trade Commission (USITC), seeking exclusion orders and cease and desist orders against 20 companies accused of infringing its intellectual property through the importation and sale of aftermarket ink cartridges.
The complaints—entitled Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof I and II (Docket Nos. 3827 and 3828)—were filed on 13 May by Epson Portland Inc., Epson America, Inc., and parent company Seiko Epson Corporation. Both cases cite violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and request the Commission to block infringing products from entering the US market.
The 20 named respondents are: Dongguan Ocbestjet Digital Technology Co., Ltd.; Ocbestjet Printer Consumables (HK) Co., Ltd.; Tatrix International China Co., Ltd.; Luozhi Trading Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Hongxinyuan E-Commerce Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Kaizhen Technology Co., Ltd.; Zhuhai Zhenyang Electronics Co., Ltd.; Shangrao Shixuan E-Commerce Co., Ltd.; Zhuhai Hengyunda Electronics Co., Ltd.; Zhuhai Rongtaida Electronics Co., Ltd.; Zhuhai Shi Wei Tai Electronics Co., Ltd.; Zhuhai Yixing Electronics Co., Ltd.; Mei Jin Technology HK Co., Limited; ZhuHai MeiJiAn Trading Co., Ltd.; Qiong Wang; Shen Zhen Sailing Technology Limited; Zhuhai Shuofeng E-commerce Co., Ltd.; Zhuhai Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.; Mountain Peak, Inc.; and Straightouttaink, LP.
Epson is asking the Commission to issue a general exclusion order or, alternatively, a limited exclusion order alongside cease and desist orders.
The USITC is now seeking public comment on the potential impact of the requested remedies on US health, safety, competition, and consumer access to alternative products.
