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Epson Files Suit to Stop Imported Ink Cartridges from China

October 18, 2005

In on-going activities to protect its intellectual property rights, Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") recently filed patent infringement proceedings in the English High Court against CybaHouse Limited to stop the importation from China, and supply within the UK, of certain Epson compatible printer cartridges (IM JET brand).

Epson has now agreed to settle the case out of Court, based on undertakings from CybaHouse, their sister company Nutronic Limited and their directors that they will cease trading in the Epson compatible cartridges. The settlement terms also include the payment by CybaHouse Limited of Epson's legal costs plus an undisclosed sum in respect of damages. The full terms of the settlement are confidential.

Mr. Seiichi Hirano (Director, Chief Executive of Imaging & Information Products Operations Division) of Seiko Epson Corporation said:

"Epson's products incorporate technology and design which have been developed over years of rigorous and innovative research. It is important for Epson's business to protect our intellectual property rights underpinning our products against importers and makers of infringing products, and Epson shall continue to do so."

The case follows the recent settlement of a case against Environmental Business Products Limited, in which EBPL also agreed to stop importing and supplying Epson compatible ink cartridges.

Following the settlement, Mr. Abdul Wahid of CybaHouse Limited said:

"We had received specific assurances from our supplier, a large Chinese manufacturer, that the cartridges we were importing were legal. However, as a result of the specialist legal advice we have now obtained, we have decided to stop importing or supplying Epson compatible cartridges altogether."