VIM Product Infringes Valid Presstek Patents

Located in Greenwich, Conn., Presstek announced the International Trade Commission has determined that VIM Technologies, Ltd. has violated U.S. Federal law by importing into the United States printing plates that infringe upon patents owned by Presstek. In its finding, the commission affirmed the July 24 decision of Administrative Law Judge E. James Gildea, who ruled that Presstek’s patents for its printing plate technology are valid and enforceable and that VIM has been infringing Presstek’s legally protected rights by importing and selling these plates illegally in the United States. The company expects the commission to ban importation of VIM’s illegal printing plates into the United States. Further, the company is seeking an order requiring destruction of all illegal plates in the United States.

Gildea ruled that VIM was in clear violation of the Presstek patents and found that VIM continued to manufacture and sell its infringing products despite knowing, as early as 2004, that the products might infringe Presstek’s patent rights. In addition, the judge found VIM’s manufacturing partner, Hanita Coatings RCA, Ltd., liable for illegally inducing the infringement of Presstek’s patents.

“This ruling by International Trade Commission should bring to an end VIM’s illegal pirating of Presstek’s valuable intellectual property in the United States,” James R. Van Horn, Presstek’s general counsel, said. “The ITC ruling should also send a clear message to printers and distributors around the world that VIM is an illegal infringer of Presstek’s intellectual property rights. The ITC’s decision, combined with the decisions of respected tribunals in both the United States and Europe, make it clear that purchasing or distributing these illegitimate VIM products is illegal and carries significant risk.”

For more information, visit www.presstek.com.