Federal Trade Investigators Turn Their Attention to Ink Cartridges
Published Date: 6/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is launching an investigation into certain ink cartridges and parts that might be breaking Epson’s patents. This could affect companies importing or selling these cartridges in the U.S., possibly leading to bans or orders to stop sales. The investigation started on June 12, 2025, and could impact the ink cartridge market and money flow soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Investigation Could Block Epson Ink Cartridges
On June 12, 2025 the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1451 into “ink jet cartridge products and components thereof for use in Epson ink jet printers” based on a complaint filed May 13, 2025 (with supplements filed May 19, May 30, and June 3, 2025). The complainants allege infringement of U.S. Patents Nos. 8,540,347; 9,061,508; 11,535,037; 11,820,150; and 12,246,539 and request a general exclusion order, or alternatively a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders that could block importation or sales in the United States of the accused cartridges.
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