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June 21, 2006
Infringing Ink
HP
has more than 4,000 patents related to printing supplies, many of those relating
to printer ink delivery. Like razors & razor blades, selling ink is more
profitable than selling the printers that use them. Hence, HP maintains
worldwide monitoring for patent infringement, particularly those related to
refilling ink cartridges by other companies that offer generic ink. HP let it be
known that Walgreens and Office Max are being jawboned.
HP spokeswoman Sarah Steven said, "It's being worked out with no formal legal action. We try to keep it out of the courts if possible."
In 2005, HP sued Cartridge World, and another company, for patent infringement; talks in those cases are ongoing.
Seiko Epson, number two in the inkjet printer market, takes a more litigious approach.
Posted by Patent Hawk at June 21, 2006 8:56 PM | Patents In Business