Canon Requests Import Ban on Some Unauthorized Printer Toner Cartridges

Canon filed a Section 337 complaint May 7 asking that the International Trade Commission ban imports of unauthorized toner cartridges from China that it says infringe its patents. Canon says the Ninestar, Aster, Print-Rite, International Laser Group, and ASTA, all of China, are manufacturing unauthorized toner cartridges for use in certain Canon and Hewlett-Packard laser printers. The toner cartridges are being sold by 15 retailers in the United States, it said. Canon is asking for a cease and desist order banning sale of the unauthorized toner cartridges. It is also asking for a general exclusion order banning imports of all infringing toner cartridges, or alternatively limited exclusion orders banning imports of ingraining cartridges by each respondent.