Epson Sues Aftermarket Ink Cartridge Suppliers

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.