Epson is a step closer to ridding the world of reasonably priced printer ink.
The company won a preliminary ruling in a patent infringement case, with the judge agreeing that all of the 24 named third-party manufacturers of Epson-compatible cartridges do indeed misappropriate Epson's IP. An injunction barring them from selling the products in the U.S. is the likely next step.
Epson and other printer manufacturers, looking to preserve the razor-and-blades business model that governs the printer business, have employed a growing away of technical, business and legal ploys to shut down third-party manufacturers of inkjet cartridges and cartridge refillers.
Those concerned about their pocketbooks and possible devolution into RIAA-style tactics might want to look at new Kodak printers.
Epson wins preliminary ruling against aftermarket cartridge manufacturers[Ars Tecnica]
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