Epson Sues Maker of Knockoff Ink Cartridges Blocked by ITC

Seiko Epson Corp. filed a lawsuit alleging that aftermarket ink cartridges for use with Epson printers and sold by RJ International Group Inc. infringe a patent in “flagrant violation” of two general-exclusion orders issued by a U.S. trade agency blocking such imports.

Epson wants damages for the alleged infringement and court orders blocking further unauthorized use of the invention while the suit proceeds and until the patent has expired, according to a complaint filed Feb. 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

The patent, issued in August 2014, covers cartridges used with printers including ...