Epson back in court defending its patents

December 15, 2020

The complaint was filed by Seiko Epson Corporation and Epson Portland in the United States District Court Central District Of California, Western Division against defendants AUDOORMATICS USA, INC., LEE’S COLLECTION, INC., SHER LI, IVY CHEN, and RI HUA LI.

The complaint filed by Epson alleges patent infringement of its United States Patent No. 6,955,422 (“the ‘422 patent”), United States Patent No. 8,454,116 (“the ‘116 patent”), and United States Patent No. 8,794,749 (“the ‘749 patent”) by the defendants. Epson explains in its complaint that “the infringing products at issue are aftermarket ink cartridges for use with Epson printers.”

Epson claims that the “defendants in this case are willful infringers of Epson’s patents, including the ‘422, ‘749, and ‘116 patents, and violators of the ITC’s general exclusion orders.”

In question are cartridges, continuous ink supply systems and cartridge refill kits that were allegedly sold by the defendants on eBay and their own webshop sites.

With this action, Epson is looking to recover money damages and for a preliminary and permanent injunction. The OEM is requesting a trial by jury.