Canon, Direct Billing Resolve Patent Dispute

Canon announced the resolution of a patent infringement dispute involving Direct Billing International, Inc. of Carlsbad, California.

On February 6, 2013, Canon filed a motion to seek an order holding Direct Billing International in contempt for violation of a consent judgment and permanent injunction stipulated previously in the case of Canon Inc. v. Ninestar. Canon claimed that Direct Billing International had continued to sell toner cartridges which the permanent injunction prohibits it from selling.

In order to resolve the contempt motion, Direct Billing International has conformed to a contempt order. The order finds the firm in contempt for having violated the permanent injunction through its sale of at least the products identified in Canon’s motion. The contempt order also instructs Direct Billing International to pay to Canon its entire profits gained from these violations.

Throughout the development, sales and marketing process, Canon respects the intellectual property of other companies and individuals. Meanwhile, it expects others to similarly respect Canon’s intellectual property rights. Canon will continue to pursue legal proceedings against those who infringe upon its intellectual property.