Digital BW, The Print

I just read this news item in the EE Times Newsletter:

"TOKYO — Seiko Epson Corp. said Thursday (April 5) that an initial
determination in its favor has been issued by the U.S. International
Trade Commission in response to its ink-jet cartridge patent
infringement complaint filed with the ITC in February 2006.

Seiko Epson together with U.S. subsidiaries Epson Portland Inc. and
Epson America Inc. filed the complaint with the ITC claiming that 24
U.S., Korean, German and Chinese companies were infringing its
patents. It is seeking the suspension of sales and importation of
their ink cartridge products to the U.S.

ITC Judge Paul Luckern issued an initial determination on March 30
finding that the accused companies infringed Epson's patents. Luckern
recommended barring the companies from importing infringing cartridges
and the issuance of a cease and desist order barring them from selling
infringing cartridges imported before the exclusion order becomes
effective.

"Once ITC's judgment becomes officially effective, the suspension of
sales in and importation to the United States will be applied to all
cartridge vendors that infringe our patents," said an Epson spokesman.

The initial ruling has been submitted for review by the ITC prior to a
final determination in the case, which is scheduled for July 30.
Eighteen of the accused 24 companies settled with Epson prior to the
ITC ruling. Epson said it will continue its patent action against the
other six companies.

Epson has already filed related complaints against competitors in
England and China, settling some of those cases. It has taken a hard
line against patent infringement involving its cartridge technologies,
which account for more than half of its annual sales. Epson has not
licensed its ink-jet cartridge technology."

I recall reading in this group a note that some aftermarket inkjet
manufacturers and suppliers are okay.  Does anyone know how this will
affect suppliers like MIS?