Venice, FL, Aug. 30, 2015 – The Imaging Supplies Coalition (ISC) has worked closely with US Customs and Border Protection to ensure protection of ISC members’ Intellectual Property Rights. With the issuance of the US ITC 337 General Exclusion Orders this relationship has received increased focus. The ISC members have worked with the Electronics Center for Excellence and Expertise (CEE) to provide education and market intelligence. This, coupled with increased resource and focus from the CEE has resulted in a significant increase in seizures and forfeiture of infringing products. To further develop their knowledge of the imaging supplies industry, Alan Aprea, Branch Chief of the Electronics CEE, requested that the ISC coordinate a visit to a member factory for review of the cartridge manufacturing process. Canon graciously agreed to host the visit at Canon Virginia Inc. (CVI) and Canon Environmental Technologies Inc. (CETI) on August 6.
After the tour, Mr. Aprea commented that “Our group came away very impressed with all of the great work that Canon is accomplishing both on the manufacturing side at CVI and on the recycling end at CETI. This was an excellent opportunity for us to observe the manufacturing of the toner cartridge and how it comes full circle through the recycling process at CETI. Canon is setting an excellent example of how to run a successful domestic manufacturing operation, along with a state-of-the-art “no landfill” recycling facility. This productive factory visit will greatly improve our effectiveness as we continue to protect Canon’s and the other ISC members’ IP at the border.”
At the close of the day Mr. Toru Nishizawa, President & CEO, Canon Virginia Inc. who hosted the tour said “Thank you for coming from California to visit at CVI and CETI. I am glad to hear that the presentation and the tours have helped to show the depth of our operations. As you could see through the tours, our operations are not just manufacturing activities but more expanded activities that include a closed loop resource recycling. Also, we contribute to the community by generating employment for high-skilled engineers and provide training for high-tech automated facilities operators. We would like to continue to expand and deepen our activities and IP protection is a significant element in the process. We and the other members of the ISC appreciate your effort and corporation in this matter.
The Imaging Supplies Coalition wishes to thank both Canon and the CBP for making this visit happen. We believe this visit to be indicative of the continued focus that the ISC Members and the US CBP CEE places on the enforcement of patent rights and other intellectual property which will be beneficial to all stakeholders in the imaging supplies industry.
The Imaging Supplies Coalition (ISC) is a non-profit trade association comprised of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of consumable imaging supplies (ribbons, toner, inks, cartridges, etc.) and equipment that have joined together to protect their customers by combating illegal activities in the Imaging Supplies Industry. Coalition members include Brother International Corporation, Canon U.S.A., Inc., Epson America Inc., HP, Lexmark International, Inc., Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. and Xerox Corporation.
