Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/11/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Oversimplified summary (and I'm not a lawyer): The ITC has ruled that aftermarket ink cartridges and chips violate Epson's U.S. patents. A cease and desist order has been issued. So U.S. companies that have been selling the carts must stop doing so. That includes MIS. The issue is under "Presidential review," and the President could ask for it to be amended or not sign it. While the issue is under review, the cease and desist order applies, and there is a per-cartridge monetary remedy for violation. There is some speculation that the ITC ruling, if it holds, will apply not just to carts, but to CIS systems and anything else that puts ink into the printer. The major target of the Epson legal action appears to be the flood of cheap carts and ink from China, but those of us who use Epson printers for specialized B&W printing methods are also affected. "Collateral damage," you might say. Fortunately, there are still sources overseas from which individuals may purchase the needed carts. Paul Roark says that users of the 1800 and 2400 especially should be OK because there are a lot of cartridges floating around. MIS says they will continue to sell ink. So save your old carts and chips, and you can keep refilling. These two posts sum things up--read the second message carefully for Paul's take on the long-term aspect of things. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint/message/88513 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint/message/88598 The situation is in flux. There is a lot of confusion right now as to what is really going to happen, and who is affected to what extent. So stay tuned. The place where most of the discussion is going on is the Digital B&W group on Yahoo. Be prepared to tune out a lot of political diatribe, but the information from some of the prime movers of digital B&W printing is good. There is also a letter-writing campaign to Congress, the President, and other regulators. Paul has a sample letter on his Web site. Here's a link to the group's home page: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalblackandwhitetheprint/ If you want to read the ITC's ruling in glorious legalese, go here: http://searchapp.usitc.gov/edis3/app Enter the number 565 in the search box and click GO. The most recent ruling is at the top of the list. I should disclose my bias: I use an Epson R1800 with MIS Eboni ink for B&W printing. I've always used Epson inks for color. I am not thinking very nice thoughts towards Epson this afternoon. --Peter At 01:24 PM 11/11/2007 -0800, you wrote: >At 03:36 PM 11/11/2007, you wrote: > >Here's a bit of background on what's happening. MIS Inks sent a > >recent email to customers and won't be filling orders for after > >market Epson cartridges. > > > >http://www.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUST12351920070404 > > > >Walt > > >People on the Digital B&W list are saying save your cartridges and >you can continue to refill them. There seems to be a market for used >cartridges on eBay, too. > >Tina