Epson settles with UBAR over CISS patents

Seiko Epson Corporation has today announced the settlement of legal action with Taiwanese manufacturer UBAR.

The company was accused of infringing Epson’s UM-198935 patent, through the production of its compatible continuous inkjet supply system (CISS) cartridges, and the Taiwan Taichung District Court ruled in Epson’s favour in April 2010.

UBAR was ordered to pay damages and cease sale of the offending products, and initially appealed against the decision. However, UBAR has now decided to accept the terms, and the companies have settled the case.

In addition to paying unspecified damages and ceasing the production and sale of the concerned CISS products, UBAR also issued an apology, published on Epson’s global website.

The statement acknowledged it had infringed Epson’s patent, and caused “inconvenience and damage” to the OEM as a result.

It continued: “In order to show their gratitude for Epson's not continuing the lawsuit, UBAR hereby posts this public apology, promises not to manufacture, offer for sell, sell, use or import any more infringing compatible ink cartridges and CISS products and urges the public/customers to respect Epson's intellectual property rights.”

While much of the legal focus on the industry tends to lie in the United States courts and US ITC, Epson has proven to be active in the Asian markets of late. In April, the OEM also announced a settlement with Ninestar Japan over ink patents.

As ever, Epson promised to continue “vigorous enforcement” of its patented technology and trademarks.

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