Aster Claims Its OPC Drum Gears are not Affected by GEO

According to The Recycler, Aster Graphics, a US-based manufacturer and distributor of printer consumables, claims its toner cartridges will not be affected by the General Exclusion Order (GEO) issued to protect Canon’s intellectual property rights (IPRs).

Aster affirmed its GearTek®, a patented gear technology for OPC drums, won’t infringe Canon’s U.S. 5,903,803 (‘803) and U.S. 6,128,454 (‘454) patents. Thereby, it allows the company to continue supplying the US market with replacement toner cartridges.

“Aster has long recognized the importance of intellectual property rights. After years of large investments in R&D, Aster has worked out a patent-free gear solution that eliminates the risk of infringing Canon’s patents” said Leon Yin, President of Aster Graphics. “Stable and continuous supply is quite important for long-term cooperation. I’m glad that our customers’ businesses have not been interrupted by the GEO and their market share continues increasing.”