InkCycle has reached an agreement with HP, settling a patent infringement lawsuit over ink formulation of the ink InkCycle uses to remanufacture certain HP cartridges.
HP filed suit in March 2005 against InkCycle after it “discovered that refilled inkjet cartridges sold under the Staples brand contained patent-infringing ink.”
InkCycle, according to the terms of the confidential agreement, has “agreed to acquire reformulated, non-infringing ink sets for three InkCycle products and has agreed to pay HP an undisclosed sum.”
“As an ethical company, we respect all IP rights. Our experience with HP has led to a further strengthening of our IP knowledge base, a critical factor for InkCycle’s continuing aftermarket leadership,” said Brad Roderick, InkCycle’s vice president. “We worked quickly and in collaboration with HP to procure reformulated inks when we learned of the problem and believe that helped bring this matter to a speedy resolution.”
Pradeep Jotwani, senior vice president, Imaging and Printing Supplies Business for HP, said, “HP will continue to invest in technology that benefits consumers and to aggressively protect this investment. HP is pleased to be able to resolve this matter quickly and without extensive litigation and will constantly monitor InkCycle and others for possible patent infringement.”