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Epson says that Medea International's InkRite PhotoPLUS cartridges contain technologies that infringe UK patents it holds.

It says that the spongeless valve design used in InkRite cartridges is similar to Epson's patented invention known as 'Epson Smart Valve Technology'.

It further takes issue at the Medea International's public statements regarding the patent status of its InkRite

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cartridges. In an article on ephotozine, Richard Gaughan of Medea International is quoted as saying, 'All users can have peace of mind that these products do not infringe any OEM patents, and in fact are patented in their own right. Inkrite PhotoPLUS should not be considered a "compatible" product. It is in fact a totally new product and cannot be compared to anything else on the market.'

Seiichi Hirano, chief executive of the Imaging Products Operations Division, Seiko Epson, said 'We do not take the decision to litigate against another company lightly. However to protect our technology against the various claims being made by Medea International and by their continued acts of importation into the UK which infringe Epson's UK patents and which undermine the benefits provided to our customers, Epson has been forced into taking the decision of starting UK patent infringement proceedings.'

Medea International said in a statement: 'Medea is confident, on the basis of legal advice, that its Inkrite PhotoPlus cartridges do not infringe Epson's patents and intends vigorously to defend the court action if Epson insists on proceeding.'