Epson Sues Aftermarket Ink Cartridge Suppliers

Epson has filed litigation against 24 firms in the ink cartridge business, alleging the firms violated Epson patents because of their involvement in the aftermarket ink cartridge market.

Seiko Epson Corp. said a complaint against the 24 firms -- none were named in Epson's announcement of the litigation -- was filed with the International Trade Commission. A lawsuit alleging patent violations was filed by Epson Portland Inc. in U.S. District Court in Portland, Ore., against the same firms.

Epson and other printer manufacturers have been plagued by aftermarket ink suppliers, which generally offer ink refill cartridges for their printers at low prices. Epson also instituted a round of complaints against ink refill cartridge suppliers last year.