Presstek Resolves Some Legal Actions

HUDSON, NH—Presstek Inc. has reached settlements that resolve three long-standing legal disputes. In addition, the company has reached a settlement with one major distributor in the company’s patent and trademark infringement action against VIM Technologies and others in the International Trade Commission.

Last February, Presstek filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) against Israeli printing plate manufacturer VIM Technologies, Ltd. (VIM) and its manufacturing partner Hanita Coatings RCA for what it claimed was infringement of its patent and trademark rights. Presstek also sued three U.S.-based distributors of VIM products: Ohio Graphco, Guaranteed Service and Supplies, and Recognition Systems, as well as one major Canadian based distributor, AteCe Canada. This past March, the ITC announced that it had initiated a formal investigation into Presstek’s allegations of infringement by VIM and the other respondents.

Presstek has settled its infringement claims against one of VIM’s major U.S distributors, Ohio Graphco. Under the terms of the Consent Order, Graphco has agreed not to import or sell any of VIM’s printing plates that are the subject of the infringement claims. Graphco has also agreed to cooperate in the ITC’s investigation and will not challenge the ITC’s conclusions.

Presstek has also settled patent infringement suits it filed against Creo in 2005 and Fuji Photo Film in 2003, without disclosing terms. Presstek has also agreed to pay Reda National US$800,000 as a settlement stemming from a 2005 claim that Presstek had breached a distributor agreement relating to the Middle East.