AT WAR WITH THE USA—CHINACONSUMABLES INDUSTRY REACTS

CHINA INCLUDES US-MADE PRINTERS IN TARIFF RETALIATION

EPSON AMERICA LAUNCHES NEW PRINTER SERIES

Originally published at Epson.

Epson Introduces Next Generation WorkForce Pro WF-M5000 Monochrome Printer Series with Replaceable Ink Pack System

Epson America has recently announced the new WorkForce^® Pro WF-M5000 Printer Series. Powered by PrecisionCore^®, the WF-M5000 Series offers low-cost monochrome printing and delivers Performance Beyond Laser™. With its Replaceable Ink Pack System, the WF-M5799 multifunction printer and the WF-M5299 printer is designed to minimize workflow interventions and lets users print up to 40,000 ISO pages (black) without changing the ink packs and up to 830 sheets total paper capacity with optional second paper tray. Designed for busy workgroups, the compact printers produce pro-quality documents at 24 ISO ppm (black)^† with a fast first page out.

According to Epson, the new WF-M5000 Series allows busy workgroups to easily take control of their office printing environments with its Replaceable Ink Pack System technology.

For seamless integration and administration in managed IT environments, the WF-M5000 Series also includes PCL and PostScript^® 3^™ support, plus compatibility with ISV and third-party software solutions such as Nuance Equitrac^® Office/Express, Nuance eCopy ShareScan, PaperCut, and nddPrint through Epson Open Platform. The printers come equipped with an intuitive user interface, advanced nozzle verification technology and a robust paper output tray, as previously introduced on the WorkForce Enterprise Series MFPs. They also provide security features and are enabled for remote printer data collection with MPS software solutions from PrintFleet^®, ECi (FMAudit^®) and others. The WF-M5000 Series prints from smartphones and tablets, featuring wired and wireless connectivity including files from the cloud.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/epson-america-launches-new-printer-series/

HP TO FURTHER INVEST IN A3 COPIER/MFP MARKET

Originally published at wirthconsulting.org

HP Inc. to Acquire Largest European Office-Equipment, MPS Dealer

Following its acquisition of Samsung’s printer business and the launch of a portfolio of A3 and A4 copier/MFPs, HP is making another movement to disrupt the billion A3 copier/MFP market. This time, the strategy is to acquire UK-based office-equipment dealer Apogee Corporation.

The transaction values Apogee, Europe’s largest office-equipment, MPS dealer, at £380M (approximately U.S. 8,788,000.00).

HP says the acquisition will further its plan to disrupt the billion A3 copier/MFP market and builds on its printing strategy to: enhance its A3 and A4 product portfolio; build differentiated solutions and tools to expand its Managed Print Services (MPS); and invest in its direct and indirect go-to-market (GTM) capabilities. This includes the selective acquisition of office-equipment dealers that provide access to increased profit pools from higher-margin services.

Apogee sells office-equipment sourced from Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung Ricoh, Xerox, Kyocera, and Konica Minolta. 

Enrique Lores (pictured), president of HP Imaging and Print, commented: “The Apogee acquisition extends HP’s print leadership by boldly leveraging the industry shift to contractual sales as we aggressively pursue the A3 office market. We’re augmenting our go-to-market and enhancing our ability to deliver the services necessary to win in the profitable contractual market. This deal complements our broader channel strategy and HP remains committed to building our business through our best-in-class partner program.”

More information at: wirthconsulting.org/

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/hp-to-further-invest-in-a3-copiermfp-market/?utm_source=2D-International-%E6%96%B0&utm_campaign=b4f50bd268-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_09_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8c3b94671f-b4f50bd268-12458549

SPEED INFOTECH FORMED STRATEGIC ALLIANCE IN THE EUROPEAN REMANUFACTURING INKJET MARKET

 China-based leading global inkjet remanufacturer SPEED Infotech has recently announced a strategic alliance with Armor Office Printing, a European market leader in multi-brand inkjet cartridges. The move represents a real boost for the circular economy as both companies are committed to the collection, production and marketing of remanufactured cartridges.

SPEED Infotech and Armor are establishing a partnership designed to reinforce their presence in the European inkjet cartridge production and collection market for retail customers. As part of the agreement, SPEED Infotech is providing access to its ink cartridge production capacity according to Armor’s patent compliance and quality requirements whilst Armor is contributing its entity that manages the collection of empty cartridges based in the Netherlands.

            “SPEED Infotech is very glad to enter into the partnership with Armor Office Printing, ”states Benjamin Young, CEO of SPEED Infotech. “SPEED aspires to become a global remanufactured inkjet cartridge production center. This alliance will undoubtedly bring SPEED a growth in production volume, continuous improvement in quality, and more importantly, further confidence in R&D investment likewise. SPEED will continue to serve all its customers around the world, with the benefits of further enhanced comprehension and delivery of product quality to the highest industry standards thanks to the alliance.”

            Established in 2001, SPEED Infotech is committed to being a reliable and respected company in global remanufacturing industry. In the past eighteen years, the accumulated volume of remanufactured inkjet cartridges produced and marketed by SPEED has reached 100 million pieces. Currently SPEED has a R&D and production center in Beihai China, with the sales unit based in Shanghai, and a service center in Czech. SPEED is the first company that obtained approval from China National Bureau of Quality Inspection to import used printer consumables in China.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/speed-infotech-formed-strategic-alliance-in-the-european-remanufacturing-inkjet-market/

NINESTAR SUES A COMPANY FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT

Recently, Ninestar filed a patent infringement complain in Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court, accusing Zhuhai Zhengyin Electronic Technology Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Zhuhai Zhengyin ) of infringing its inkjet cartridge patent.

“To steadily control the negative pressure in cartridge” has always been essential to the quality of inkjet cartridge. The failure to put negative pressure under good control will result in an overlarge fluid pressure at the nozzle of print head that adversely affects print performance due to phenomena such as ink leakage. Many companies tried to solve this technical problem but failed. Nonetheless, Ninestar invested tremendous efforts in the control method of negative pressure and eventually independently developed ‘Negative Pressure Generating Mechanism’ which provides a good control of negative pressure in cartridge. Ninestar has obtained a series of patents for this technology and the Chinese patent No. ZL201220712945.2 is one of them. Ninestar’s products with this patent are well recognized by customers due to it owns a simpler structure, an easier operation and a lower manufacturing cost than OEM’s.

Unfortunately, Ninestar has found that Zhuhai Zhengyin is manufacturing and selling many products (specifically 950XLBK, 951XLC/M/Y; 711XLBK/C/M/Y; and 932XLBK, 933XLC/M/Y for HP) that infringe on Ninestar’s patent rights of the above mentioned patent technology.

For any company, IP usually requires huge amounts of manpower, materials and financial resources. There’s good reason for Ninestar to respect third parties’ IP and protect its own. Ninestar claims that Zhuhai Zhengyin should cease infringement acts immediately, and compensate Ninestar for financial losses caused by the Zhuhai Zhengyin’s infringement.

The court has accepted this case on June 13, 2018 and will hear that case in August.

LEXMARK LAUNCHES NEW MONOCHROME PRINTERS AND MFPS

Lexmark Introduces New Generation of A4 Color and Large Workgroup Monochrome Printers and MFPs

Lexmark has announced the availability of a new generation of A4 color and large workgroup monochrome printers and multi-function products (MFPs).
According to Lexmark, the new products, which the print speed is 36-47 ppm, will bring an unparalleled combination of reliability, productivity and security to business users. The page yield of the small workgroup is from 5,000 pages to 15,000 pages, while the max yield of the top line is now 25,000 pages.

“Lexmark is pleased to introduce this extensive line-up of new devices which feature improved performance and consumable yields, resulting in more up time, fewer interventions and improvements in total cost of ownership,” said Allen Waugerman, Lexmark senior vice president and chief technology officer.

“These new devices are designed to be reliable, productive and more secure additions to business IT assets,” said Allen Waugerman. “IT will appreciate the longevity, durability and serviceability of these devices, while users will appreciate the high-quality color or monochrome output, state of the art power and performance, and easy to use features.”

These new A4 color (CS421dn, CS521dn, CS622de, CX421adn, CX522ade, CX620 Series and CX625 Series) and large workgroup mono (MS725 Series, MS820 Series, MX720 Series and MX820 Series) devices are equipped with major feature enhancements that drive down total cost of ownership.

For more information, please visit official website of Lexmark.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/lexmark-launches-new-monochrome-printers-and-mfps/

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HYB AND HG

Handan Hanguang OA Toner Co.,Ltd ( hereinafter HG ) and Zhuhai HaoYinBao Printing Consumables Co., Ltd. (hereinafter HYB) have recently confirmed their Strategic partnership in bonding of their distribution channels and products.

At the first stage, HG has published that HYB as the authorized distributor and the toner sold via HYB to overseas are genuine toner manufactured by Handan Hanguang OA Toner Co.,Ltd. with same quality standard and will be covered with same quality guarantee by Handan Hanguang OA Toner Co.,Ltd.

Handan Hanguang OA Toner Co.,Ltd is the largest bulk toner manufacturer for laser printers and the factory is equiped with Germany conventional toner production lines which carries output of 13000 tons per year. As a supplier of one of the finest and most stable toner in the world, HG toner is recognized by the worldwide leading distributors and users. The HG 220 toner has especially gained a great popularity among toner cartridges manufacturers and remanufacturers.

The partnership set a precedent in the industry as the first time there are laser toner manufacturer leader cooperated with the reputable provider and manufacturer of copier consumables and spare parts. It is expected that there will be further actions taken from them and this “Union” will create some positive changes to the industry.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/strategic-partnership-between-hyb-and-hg/

US CUSTOMS BEGINS COLLECTING 25% IMPOSED TARIFF

US customs officials will begin collecting an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from China of goods ranging from farming plows to semiconductors and airplane parts, according to Gulfnews.

US President Donald Trump fired the biggest shot yet in the global trade war by imposing tariffs on $ 34 billion of Chinese imports. China immediately said it would be forced to retaliate.

The duties on Chinese goods started at 12:01am Friday in Washington, just after midday in China. Another $ 16 billion of goods could follow in two weeks, Trump earlier told reporters, before suggesting the final total could eventually reach $ 550 billion, a figure that exceeds all of US goods imports from China in 2017.

US customs officials will begin collecting an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from China of goods ranging from farming plows to semiconductors and airplane parts. China’s officials have previously said they would respond by imposing higher levies on goods ranging from American soybeans to pork, which may in turn prompt Trump to raise trade barriers even higher.

“The United States has violated World Trade Organization rules and ignited the largest trade war in economic history,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “Such tariffs are typical trade bullying, and this action threatens global supply chains and value chains, stalls the global economic recovery, triggers global market turmoil, and will hurt more innocent multinational companies, enterprises and consumers.”

The statement didn’t provide details on exactly how or when China would respond. The Finance Ministry has yet to formally issue the final list of goods to which the higher tariffs will apply.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/us-customs-begins-collecting-25-imposed-tariff/

IT’S WAR! HOW WILL HISTORY REMEMBER JULY 6?

China’s Ministry of Commerce claims it will take countermeasures in response to Washington’s new tariffs on US $ 34 billion of Chinese imports that took effect on July 6.

China believes the United States’ 25 per cent tariff hike on Chinese goods violates the WTO rules and has set off the largest trade war in history, “demonstrating a typical hegemonic attitude against the rules of world trade,” said the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

Writing for the China Daily, Zhong Nan claims China will report to the World Trade Organization in a timely manner about the USaction saying the USmove on trade will slow down the pace of global economic recovery. Many Us economists and businessmen warn the tariffs will also hurt American companies and consumers.

“At the same time, China reiterates that we will unswervingly deepen reform, expand opening-up, protect entrepreneurship and strengthen protection of property rights to create a sound business environment for foreign companies in China. We will continue to assess the impact of tariffs on companies and take effective measures to help them,” according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. “The US has kept provoking a trade war for months, not only with China, but also with the global supply and value chain.”

The US’ tariffs target Chinese goods from a range of sectors including aerospace, IT, auto parts and medical instruments. It could include printers and printer cartridges being made in China and being distributed in the USA.

China claims it will implement additional tariffs on some import products from the United States immediately after new US tariffs took effect at 12 pm Friday, the country’s customs authority said on Thursday. It plans to levy additional tariffs for 545 items, worth about $ 34 billion, including agricultural products, vehicles and aquatic products, starting July 6, 2018.

CANON ADMITS DONGLE GEAR WORKAROUND DOES NOT INFRINGE

The Canon “dongle gear” case in the USA has been the story that has captured the attention of the global for much of the year. Many components manufacturers have gone back to the drawing board to rework a non-infringing workaround solution. Christian Pepper—President of LD Products Channel Partner Division—told RT Media that the litigation may not be finally adjudicated until about June 2019. In the meantime, a bunch of new designs are expected.

As we know, some aftermarket companies have already launched solutions for the dongle gear alleging them to be “patent-safe” which means they will not infringe Canon’ recently acquired patents.

On June 19, the Chinese company Print-Rite introduced its All-New Pr3 dongle gear solution for replacement toner cartridges compatible with HP CF226/CF287 series, HP CE505/CF280 series, and HP CE255 series toner cartridges. They claim it to be a perfect blend of innovation and utility in its IP-safety solution.

And almost on the same day on LinkedIn, Static Control unveiled a new product. Allegedly, Canon has admitted the new toner cartridge does NOT infringe or violate the asserted patents in the ITC investigation.

The market leader had shown the ability to innovate new solutions means that greatly surprised the industry.

Just 7 days after that, Aster Graphics proudly announced its newest work-around design for cartridges using the controversial dongle gear is the world’s first-to-market, complete solution with its own U.S. patent.

Before the ITC litigation is completed, there may be more new ‘non-infringing’ products launching and shipping. The aftermarket is moving on.

WRONGDOING NOT ADMITTED IN CANON SETTLEMENT

Hong Kong, July 12, 2018 – Canon and GPC Trading Co., Limited, which does business under the name GPC Image, have resolved their pending lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York regarding GPC’s alleged infringement of Canon’s U.S. Patent Nos. 9,746,826; 9,836,021; 9,841,727; 9,841,728; 9,857,765; 9,869,960; and 9,874,846.

Without admitting any wrongdoing, GPC has agreed to a Consent Judgment and Permanent Injunction that prohibits it from making, using, selling, and offering for sale in the U.S., and from importing into the U.S., the toner cartridges that Canon accused of infringement.

CANON CONCLUDES IN KOREA

Canon announces conclusion of toner cartridge-related patent infringement dispute with Tonet Inc., in Korea

Canon Inc. today announced that the Seoul Central District Court of Korea concluded the patent dispute against Tonet Inc. (“Tonet”) by mediation. In the mediation decision, Tonet admitted to have infringed Canon’s Korean Patent Nos. 10-1182006 and 10-1101654. Tonet is obligated to cease sale and distribution of the toner cartridges models “HP CF280X”, “HP CF280A”, “HP CE255X”, “HP CE255A”, “HP CE505X”, “HP CE505A”, “HP CF287A”, “HP CF226X”, “HP CF226A”, “HP CE255X/CRG324II”, “HP CE255A/CRG324”, “HP CE505X/CRG319II/CF280X”, “HP CE505A/CRG319/CF280”, “HP CF350A 4-pack color toner (CF350A, 351A, 352A, 353A)” and “HP CE310A 4-pack color toner (CE310A, 311A, 312A, 313A)”. Tonet has offered and distributed those toner cartridges through its own website, named Officeaid, and other open market websites. Furthermore, Tonet has agreed to render information and accounting about the offer and distribution of said toner cartridges, to pay damages to Canon and to destroy any of the above mentioned products in its possession or property.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/canon-concludes-in-korea/

        ISC NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN

Originally published at OPI.

ISC elects names new board

According to OPI,the Imaging Supplies Coalition (ISC) has elected a new Chairman and three officers.

Epson Contract Attorney Alf Andersen has been named Chairman of the board. He succeeds Jeff Sampson, Senior Manager – US Supplies, HP Inc.

In addition, HP Inc WW Brand Protection Manager Praveen Kallayil was voted Chair-Elect, Xerox VP Supplies Business Group Steve Simpson will continue as Secretary, and Lexmark WW Brand Protection Manager Andrew Gardner will remain as Treasurer.

President of the Coalition Allen Westerfield said: “The members and board of directors want to thank Jeff for his proactive involvement and support of the ISC. Our new Chairman, Alf Andersen, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the Chair and we look forward to continuing to build on our programmes and initiatives under his leadership.”

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/isc-names-new-chairman/

CHINA WARNS US “OPENING FIRE” ON WORLD WITH TARIFF THREATS

The United States is “opening fire” on the world with its threatened tariffs, the Chinese government warned on Thursday, saying China will respond the instant US measures go into effect as the two locked horns in a bitter trade war, Businesstimes reports.

The Trump administration’s tariffs on US $ 34 billion of Chinese imports are due to go into effect at 12.01am eastern time on Friday (0401 GMT Friday), which is just after midday on Friday Beijing time.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate the trade conflict with tariffs on as much as a total of US $ 450 billion in Chinese goods if Beijing retaliates, with the row roiling financial markets including stocks, currencies and global trade of commodities from soy beans to coal.

China has said it will not “fire the first shot”, but its customs agency made clear on Thursday that Chinese tariffs on US goods will take effect immediately after Washington’s duties on Chinese goods kick in.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/china-warns-us-opening-fire-on-world-with-tariff-threats/

US CUSTOMS BEGINS COLLECTING 25% IMPOSED TARIFF

Originally published at Gulfnews.

US pulls trigger on Chinatariffs, sparking vow of retaliation

US customs officials will begin collecting an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from China of goods ranging from farming plows to semiconductors and airplane parts, according to Gulfnews.

US President Donald Trump fired the biggest shot yet in the global trade war by imposing tariffs on billion of Chinese imports. China immediately said it would be forced to retaliate.

The duties on Chinese goods started at 12:01am Friday in Washington, just after midday in China. Another billion of goods could follow in two weeks, Trump earlier told reporters, before suggesting the final total could eventually reach 0 billion, a figure that exceeds all of US goods imports from China in 2017.

US customs officials will begin collecting an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from China of goods ranging from farming plows to semiconductors and airplane parts. China’s officials have previously said they would respond by imposing higher levies on goods ranging from American soybeans to pork, which may in turn prompt Trump to raise trade barriers even higher.

“The United States has violated World Trade Organization rules and ignited the largest trade war in economic history,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “Such tariffs are typical trade bullying, and this action threatens global supply chains and value chains, stalls the global economic recovery, triggers global market turmoil, and will hurt more innocent multinational companies, enterprises and consumers.”

The statement didn’t provide details on exactly how or when China would respond. The Finance Ministry has yet to formally issue the final list of goods to which the higher tariffs will apply.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/us-customs-begins-collecting-25-imposed-tariff/

IT’S WAR! HOW WILL HISTORY REMEMBER JULY 6?

            China’s Ministry of Commerce claims it will take countermeasures in response to Washington’s new tariffs on US $ 34 billion of Chinese imports that took effect on July 6.

China believes the United States’ 25 per cent tariff hike on Chinese goods violates the WTO rules and has set off the largest trade war in history, “demonstrating a typical hegemonic attitude against the rules of world trade,” said the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

            Writing for the China Daily, Zhong Nan claims China will report to the World Trade Organization in a timely manner about the US action saying the US move on trade will slow down the pace of global economic recovery. Many Us economists and businessmen warn the tariffs will also hurt American companies and consumers.

            “At the same time, China reiterates that we will unswervingly deepen reform, expand opening-up, protect entrepreneurship and strengthen protection of property rights to create a sound business environment for foreign companies in China. We will continue to assess the impact of tariffs on companies and take effective measures to help them,” according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. “The US has kept provoking a trade war for months, not only with China, but also with the global supply and value chain.”

            The US’ tariffs target Chinese goods from a range of sectors including aerospace, IT, auto parts and medical instruments. It could include printers and printer cartridges being made in China and being distributed in the USA.

            China claims it will implement additional tariffs on some import products from the United States immediately after new US tariffs took effect at 12 pm Friday, the country’s customs authority said on Thursday. It plans to levy additional tariffs for 545 items, worth about billion, including agricultural products, vehicles and aquatic products, starting July 6, 2018.

Details:http://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/its-war-how-will-history-remember-july-6/

EXPERT WARNS CARTRIDGES MAY BE IMPACTED BY US-CHINA TRADE WAR

“Some aftermarket cartridges imported from Chinawill be subject to the proposed 301 tariffs if those tariffs are eventually imposed,” warns Merritt Blakeslee (pictured), an experienced international trade law patent attorney in the USA.

On April 3, 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced additional details related to its recent Section 301 investigation of Chinese trade practices. The USTR provided an official Notice of Determination specifically identifying a proposed list of Chinese products to be targeted with an additional duty of 25%.

Many of the products targeted by the U.S.under this determination include technology, aircraft parts and robotic equipment though it also lists articles of metal, medical devices and household consumer products.

Blakeslee told RT Media, “The proposed 301 tariffs will squarely impact some but not all of the aftermarket cartridges that our industry imports into the United States.”

According to Blakeslee, “Canon’s 337-TA-1106 ITC complaint lists the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (“HTS”) numbers – 8443.99.20, 8443.99.25 and 8443.99.50 (among others), which Canon says are ‘exemplary’ of the HTS numbers for the products covered by the complaint.” Lexmark’s ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-740 complaint covered items under HTS 8443.99.20.

These three particular HTS numbers appear on the USTR’s list of product proposed for the 25% tariff.

Blakeslee added that it is not clear at the moment whether components of cartridges that remanufacturers import from Chinawould be covered.

Merritt Blakeslee will be speaking at Cancun on May 24 and 25 at the RT Imaging Summit. Click here for details.

Details:https://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/expert-warns-imported-cartridges-may-be-impacted-by-us-china-trade-war/

Quality First Conference chews over China

The Recycling Association’s Quality First Conference, which took place on 17 April 2018 in London, saw over 100 delegates attend to discuss topics including China, local authorities, and the importance of why quality matters, a message the Association have been spreading for nearly two years.

Many people, including leading recycling and waste management companies and packaging designers, came to the event to get involved in debates surrounding these topics, and to provide their input on how the sector can work together to improve recyclability and design, following the China ban.

“We knew that the impacts of China’s revised contamination levels and material bans under National Sword would be a hot topic,” said Simon Ellin, The Recycling Association’s chief executive. “What we couldn’t predict at that time was what they would be.

“By and large, delegates and speakers confirmed our thoughts that the UKhas pulled out the stops to meet the 0.5 per cent fibre contamination levels. If you’d asked me back in January if this would be possible I would have said no. I’m happy to be proved wrong. But it’s still early days,” he said.

However, not all speakers were of the same opinion. In her keynote speech, MP Mary Creagh, who sits on the influential Environmental Audit Committee, told delegates that she was aware of recovered material being sent to landfill.

“Of course, not all paper will meet the 0.5 per cent level; some has found other markets with less stringent contamination levels. But, if some is being sent to landfill, we need evidence of this to be made public now so that we can take action,” said Simon Ellin.

Mary Creagh also told the audience that improvements in packaging design were essential, as were better industry communications. In a week when Facebook has come under extreme criticism, she told recycling delegates that they should be using the beleaguered platform to get clearer and more targeted messages out to householders.

Richard Parker, Head of Sustainable Packaging at Iceland Foods, reassured the audience that the retailer’s decision to move away from own-brand plastic packaging was more than a headline-grabbing PR stunt. Plastic, he said, wasn’t doing a bad job, but something had to be done to stop it polluting the oceans.

Reassuringly, he told the audience that the recycling of new paper packaging materials could not just be technically feasible but had to be acceptable to paper recyclers.

“It was refreshing to hear a retailer so open to collaboration” said Simon Ellin. “Normally our members only get to hear about new packaging materials when they are launched. With so many product lines to re-package, it’s impressive that Iceland is consulting with the recyclers and reprocessors to ensure that its new solutions work on every level. Furthermore, that they will listen and change approach if needed.

“But Iceland alone won’t turn the tide on unrecyclable packaging. We need retailers to band together, make the right decisions and create a scalable new solution,” said Simon Ellin.

Perhaps the session that proved the biggest surprise at this year’s Quality First conference was the one dedicated to local authorities.

Speaker Lee Marshall, chief executive of LARAC, told delegates that, despite what we all think, the public didn’t really care about recycling and that they were in no way confused about what packaging could or could not be recycled.

He continued to tell delegates that local authorities were only concerned about material up to the point where it was collected and that they would only change their approach when their material was refused.

“We all know local authorities are under incredible cost pressures, but we didn’t expect that they could be so far adrift in terms of their recycling ambitions,” said Simon Ellin. “It has certainly left delegates worried.

“If nothing else, it will make us redouble our efforts to work with and collaborate with local authorities. They’re a critical link within the recycling supply chain; we cannot afford to be so far apart.”

On a more positive note, there was a running theme of collaboration, cohesion and culture change that pervaded all presentations and panel discussions.

“When we started the Quality First journey back in 2016, one of our ambitions was to bring the full supply chain together, to share responsibility for future solutions. We also wanted to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the recycling sector.

“This year’s conference has highlighted how far we’ve come. We’ve seen other organisations calling for the same joined up approach and we’re delighted with the progress to date. But we have to keep our foot on the gas.

“The industry has the ear of Government, and we need to ensure that they also work with us. I have no doubt, the upcoming 12 months will be another interesting period,” concluded Simon Ellin.

Details:https://www.therecycler.com/posts/quality-first-conference-chews-over-china/

Memjet and Canon unite in cross-license agreement

Memjet and Canon have entered into a long-term, global agreement to cross-license their patents around key segments and applications. 

The terms of the agreement remain confidential.

“We are excited and pleased with our agreement with Canon, which validates the value of our technology,” said Len Lauer, CEO of Memjet. “This agreement showcases the breadth and strength of our intellectual property portfolio of patents.  We will continue to focus on our leadership position in the single pass digital inkjet market through our technology innovation that provides unmatched speed, simplicity and affordability.”

Details:https://www.therecycler.com/posts/memjet-and-canon-unite-in-cross-license-agreement/

CHINA BLASTED BY US IN FRONT OF THE WTO

AUSTRALIA LEADS IN CONSUMER PROTECTION AGAINST PRINTER OEMS

CANON FILES NEW PATENT INFRINGEMENT LAWSUIT IN U.S.

CHINA ALLOWS BAIN’S TOSHIBA CHIP TAKEOVER PLANS

WEEE COMPLIANCE IMPACT IN FRANCEFOR OEMS AND REMANUFACTURERS

CHINA-US TRADE WAR IS ON HOLD

WILL CANON WIN ALL THE PATENT LAWSUITS?

It has been more than two months since Canon sued 50 manufacturers of new-built cartridges and their U.S.distributors. Canon accused the companies of making and selling toner cartridges and photosensitive drum units which infringe Canon’s patents, U.S. numbers 9,746,826; 9,836,021; 9,841,727; 9,841,728; 9,841,729; 9,857,764; 9,857,765; 9,869,960 and 9,874,846.

In the past month, we can see Canon almost everywhere every day. We can’t help asking when the end is. Recently, at least 4 lawsuits in the U.S.has resolved. Canon had won all the four cases. Details are as below:

·                                Zeetoner
In May 22, Canon announced the conclusion of a patent infringement lawsuit against 9010-8077 Quebec Inc., known as Zeetoner, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, concerning certain toner cartridges sold for use in Canon and HP laser beam printers. Zeetoner stipulated to a Consent Judgment and Permanent Injunction from the Eastern District of New York, prohibiting the company from making, using, selling and offering for sale in the United States and from importing into the United States, the toner cartridges that Canon accused of infringing U.S. Patent Numbers as above.

·                                CLT Computers and Fairland
Just several days before the above lawsuit, for the same patent issue, CLT Computers, Inc. and Fairland, LLC, which had been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, got the same Consent Judgment and Permanent Injunction in May 17.

·                                Bluedog Distribution
Canon concluded one “southern” case in April 17. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida sentenced Bluedog Distribution Inc. not to distribute the patent infringing in the United States.

·                                Print After Print
Just the next day of the Bluedog and Canon reached the agreement to the consent judgment, the court decision on Print After Print was also made by the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The Phoenix-based company also face the same situation as all the above companies.

It seems Canon never failed in the patent filing (not only the US case, but also Europecase Grey Systems GmbH and Biggest Discount). And the public may wonder: Will Canon win ALL?

In RT Media’s program “inTouch News #288”, Christian Pepper—President of LD Products Channel Partner Division—talks to David Gibbons about the Canon dongle gear case in the U.S. impacting his company and others. Also Pepper said they are defending the claim and raising issues relating to the scope and validity of Canon’s continuous patents which are different from the first time Canon sue around dongle gear technology. Ian Elliott, the founder and CEO of E&S Solutions also told us that Canon’s patents may be not valid. (inTouch News #287).

But as Canon always claimed in its announcement, Canon will continue the fight for any patent infringement occurred. Early this month, Canon files a new complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Ink Technologies Printer Supplies, LLC, for infringement of Canon’s U.S. Patent No. 9,581,958.

The conclusions mentioned above are otherwise the latest result in the Canon court cases. The OEM and aftermarket will have to wait until the ITC reached a determination. RT Media will follow closely to the progress.

(Source: Canon U.S.A., Canon Global, RT Media inTouch News)

Details:https://www.rtmworld.com/2d/news/will-canon-win-all-the-patent-lawsuits/