Static Control Releases Statement Addressing Upcoming Case

Concerning Hewlett-Packard’s lawsuit against Datel Holdings’ scheme to provide trade secrets to clone makers, printer consumables giant Static Control asserts they have developed the innovative and patented technologies to offer replacement chips for HP® ink jet cartridges circumventing the OEM’s intellectual property.

Static Control says the $30 million lawsuit HP filed against Datel Holdings in June further validates the value and importance of investing in reverse engineering and respect for intellectual property. In the official complaint, HP claims that Datel schemed to misappropriate trade secrets involving the master key codes on ink jet chips, allowing Datel to develop non-genuine chips for use on cartridges.

Bryan Bonacum, Vice President of North American Sales, S.C.C., says, “We don’t scheme at Static Control. We don’t misappropriate. We develop our chip technology in-house. We manufacture our chips in-house. We understand the importance of knowing your supply chain, and that’s why we do it ourselves. We are our supply chain. We stand by our products and will be happy to answer questions about our products or process.”

He continued, “You can’t just look at a chip and see the IP that is involved. You can’t see the difference between respectfully reverse-engineered technology and technology that has been developed illegally. That’s why it comes down to knowing and trusting your chip supplier. HP alleges chip companies who sell to clones got their technology from Datel. I think remanufacturers need to ask themselves who Datel Holdings was involved with and how much they really know about the chips they purchase.”

Bonacum added, “HP has been vigorously defending their IP. At Static Control, we respect the intellectual property of OEMs and protect our own innovations through patents. Cases like this are good for the aftermarket if it helps rid the industry of patent infringing products and clone cartridges.”

“Ask for it in writing that they developed the technology and reverse-engineered their own chips. We will gladly do that,” Bonacum said. “It is truly shocking that after all this time and all the lawsuits there are still companies that do not respect the IP of others.”