Highly Respected Printer OEM Leader Retires

Highly Respected Printer OEM Leader Retires

Scores have gone on to LinkedIn social media to share their appreciation of Allen Westerfield who retired from the role of Presidency of the Imaging Supplies Coalition (ISC) on December 31, 2021.

In a brief statement, Westerfield said, “After 40 years with IBM and Lexmark followed by 15 years as President of the ISC, I have decided to retire as of December 31.” Westerfield went on to thank his many friends and colleagues who have helped him on the wonderful journey he has experienced.

“Along the way, I hope I have been able to make a difference to the industry and to the people I have worked with,” Westerfield added.

In his capacity as President of the ISC, Westerfield was passionate about defending the intellectual property rights of the printer OEMs against the fraudulent and misleading actions of printer cartridge counterfeiters and those who simply “cloned” the originals without permission.

Westerfield spent 40 years with IBM and Lexmark followed by 15 years as President of the ISC.

To this end, the ISC received many awards at the annual Global Imaging Awards held in Zhuhai China. In 2020, on the anniversary of the coalition’s 25th year, the citation read, “To the ISC for its tireless commitment over 25 years to consistently and persistently protect IP rights, fight counterfeiting, promote fairness and assist customs and border authorities with education. ISC’s work has stopped counterfeiters in dozens of countries.”

Westerfield had played a leadership role in the effort to mitigate the amount of IPR infringing product in the imaging supplies industry. This is accomplished through an education program established with US Customs and Border Protection. His focus on internet commerce was highlighted by the MOU signed with Amazon and its focus on supporting government action and legislation to protect consumers.

Westerfield was also featured on the cover of the RT ImagingWorld magazine, formerly known as Recycling Times, not once, but twice.

In Issue No 97 (pictured), Westerfield urged dealers, distributors and consumers to submit questionable imaging supplies for analysis. ISC’s product authentication program, WIDCIO (When In Doubt, Check It Out) is one of the longest-tenured and robust anti-counterfeiting programs.

Westerfield worked tirelessly with the legitimate aftermarket, encouraging them to participate at his bi-annual conferences to work side-by-side with printer OEMs to eradicate the planet of infringing and counterfeit products.

Related:

• ISC Elects New Chairman and Officers

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