Static Control Files Patent-Infringement Lawsuit Against Atser Graphics

Static Control Components – which is said to be the largest manufacturer of aftermarket imaging systems, components and printer replacement cartridges – filed a lawsuit on July 17th accusing Aster Graphics for patent infringement

Static Control of Sanford, North Carolina, contends that Aster Graphics is infringing upon two Static Control patents relating to dongle gear designs used in various toner cartridges for various Canon and HP Inc. laser printers. The patents are U.S. patent 9,671,742 B2 (’742) and 9,599,949 B2 (’949). Aster Graphics is a manufacturer and distributor of printer consumable products and is located in Southern California.

On June 29th, Static Control is said to have sent a letter to Aster Graphics notifying the company of infringement of the ’742 and ’949 patents: “The letter, sent with hopes of finding a solution outside of the courts, requested Aster Graphics to cease its infringing activity. Aster Graphics chose to continue to infringe these two patents and filed their own declaratory judgement, leading Static Control to file suit.”

“We made all the necessary motions to avoid a lawsuit,” said Skip London, Static Control’s General Counsel, “…but Aster’s decision to continue infringing our IP left us no other choice but to take legal action.”

China’s Apex Microelectronics acquired a controlling share in Static Control in 2015 for $63 million.

More Resources

• April 2017: Static Control Acquires Ink Technologies
• March 2016: Cartridge World to Sell Static Control’s Third-Party Toner, Ink, Components
• May 2015: Static Control Will Merge with Cartridge Chip-Maker Apex Microelectronics
• March 2014: Lexmark: Did Not Make False Statements Regarding Static Control