Epson Press Release

Seiko Epson Corporation continues to enforce its Intellectual Property rights

30th September 2005 - Following the recent settlement of legal action taken in the United States against the suppliers of Print Rite branded printer cartridges, Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) has started High Court proceedings in England against Mills Computer Products (International) Limited, an importer of Print Rite branded cartridges in the UK. Epson has started these proceedings to stop the importation and supply of Epson compatible printer cartridges that infringe its patents.

The action against Mills Computer Products (International) Limited follows similar actions taken recently by Epson against manufacturers and importers of Epson compatible cartridges, for enforcing its intellectual property rights. The most recent case to conclude was brought earlier this year against Environmental Business Products Limited and which resulted in Environmental Business Products Limited agreeing to stop importing and supplying Epson compatible printer cartridges, and paying Seiko Epson’s legal costs plus a substantial payment in respect of damages.

At the time, Mr Pat Stead, the Managing Director of Environmental Business Products Limited said: “We have ceased importing and supplying Epson compatible cartridges because we are not confident of finding Epson compatibles that do not infringe one or more of Seiko Epson’s patents or registered designs.”