Is It a Clone?

Zhuhai, China, September 24, 2014—A war of words continues over the recent “attack of the clones” that has impacted the US$80 billion global ink and toner print consumables industry.

So called “cloned”, newly built cartridges are often inferior in quality and breach the intellectual property rights of the Original Equipment Manufacturers—or OEMs, including HP, Canon, Epson, Samsung and Brother. The aftermarket industry has had to confront many issues in recent times, including intellectual property, quality and technical standards, chip technology, environmental protection, technical barriers and availability of empties.

ETIRA (European Toner & Inkjet Remanufacturers Association) issued a white paper called “Guide to Clones”, warning “Resellers and distributors in Europe [to] watch out: Trading new-builts that infringe patents will cost you dearly!” The white paper has been translated into 9 different languages and can be downloaded from the ETIRA website. On September 10, 2014, Recycling Times also published a White Paper claiming the word “clone” is a “fuzzy” term being wrongfully used to also put down legitimate businesses that are investing heavily into work-around solutions so as to not infringe OEM patents. Patent attorney Edward O’Connor, Chair of the Eclipse Group’s Litigation Department (USA), said: “This white paper is spot on.”

Some argue that with OEM lawsuits being faced by remanufacturers as well as new-built manufacturers, the case is not “remanufacturing is right” and “new-builts are wrong”, but a case of ensuring all sectors of the aftermarket are respecting OEM patents and are providing non-infringing products for consumers.

Vincent van Dijk, one of the featured speakers at the upcoming RT Imaging Summit in Zhuhai, China—a country accused of manufacturing illegal counterfeit and patent infringing products—will focus on threats and opportunities facing the European industry, and why new-built cartridges are so dangerous. Van Dijk is Secretary General of ETIRA. His seasoned investigation and research experience in the print consumables industry, will provide important insights. An OPEN MIKE FORUM session on patent issues, and the new-built cartridge invasion in Europe will add to the debate.

The RT Imaging Summit, organized by Recycling Times Media, will be held in Holiday Inn on October 15, 2014. First time attendees say they have already marked their diaries, and booked their tickets to what they are calling the “MUST-ATTEND” event of the year.

For RT Imaging Summit registration:

http://bit.ly/rtiregis2014

Or contact Victoria Zhao

Tel: +86 756 3959 263

E-mail: Victoria.Zhao@iRecyclingTimes.com

For visa, travel and accommodation information:

http://www.irecyclingtimes.com/Expo-Service?show_id=6 

Media Contact:      

Mindy Lee

Tel: +86 756 395-9203

Email: Mindy.Lee@iRecyclingtimes.com