Two print solutions developers are set to slug it out in an American court as Memjet files a patent infringement lawsuit against HP, in what is shaping up as a David and Goliath battle. The claims specifically relate to eight of Memjet’s patents in HP’s T-series web printers and PageWide printers, including its single-pass page-wide inkjet technology and wide format models.

Memjet launches legal action over patents against HP

“The lawsuit seeks both to enjoin Hewlett-Packard from its unauthorized use of Memjet’s patented page-wide waterfall technology, and to recover damages resulting from Hewlett-Packard’s use of that patented technology in HP’s PageWide printer products, including the Pro X generation of office printers, the T-Series commercial presses, and PageWide XL series products.” the suit charges. HP launched the PageWide range globally at the beginning of this year and in Australia at PrintEx15, with the first models set to be shipped next month. HP has made it clear it will use its PageWide Technology across its printing portfolio including in future wide format and 3D printers. “Memjet has invested substantial resources in the research and development of its PageWide waterfall technology over the last decade,” the suit says. “Memjet has protected that investment through the development of its significant patent portfolio, including several thousand US and foreign patents in the page-wide inkjet printing space.” It is thought HP may launch a counter-suit against Memjet. Many manufacturers like Canon, Delphax, Fuji Xerox and Neopost use Memjet technology under licence in various printers, with HP’s range seen as a direct competitor.

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