Epson has won the first round of a legal battle to ban third-party imports of ink cartridges compatible with their printers within the US.

The Japanese manufacturer had filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) in February 2006, against 24 manufacturers and importers of third-party inks, claiming that the companies in question had infringed Epson?s patents. ITC judge Paul Luckern recommended a cease and exclusion order, banning the importation and sale of third-party cartridges within the US market.

For years, Epson has been working towards a ban on third-party ink supplies, most notably within the US and European markets, with many of the accused companies settling with Epson out-of-court. While the case isn?t yet finished, the current ruling will only apply to imports to the US, although it may only be a matter of time before Epson extends its case further afield.

After the case, Epson?s director of consumer supplies Elizabeth Leung said: “We are gratified that Judge Luckern upheld the validity and enforceability of Epson?s ink cartridge patents. These lawsuits were filed as part of Epson’s worldwide efforts to protect the company from unfair competition. We urge manufacturers, distributors and retailers of ink cartridges to recognize this further validation of Epson?s patent rights and act accordingly. Resellers should be mindful that, in addition to the import restrictions that can be ordered by the ITC, patent infringements can result in very substantial compensatory damages in District Court actions. We will continue taking whatever action is necessary to protect Epson?s invaluable intellectual property rights.”

A final ruling on the case is expected on July 30th.