Fujifilm files suit against Kodak for patent infringement in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
The Japanese company believes that its American competitor has infringed four of its patents (nos. 10427443, 10525696, 10875346 and 11294279), which relate to various aspects of its processless offset printing plate technology and equipment.
Fujifilm is seeking remedies, including damages and an injunction related to "the unauthorized commercial manufacture, use, offer for sale or sale in the United States and/or importation by Eastman Kodak of its products of unprocessed offest printing plates that infringe the four asserted patents." . Fujifilm cites, in particular, Sonora X plates and the Sonora Xtra brand.
Toyoyuki Katagiri, President of Fujifilm North America's Graphic Communication Division, said: "Fujifilm is committed to protecting our substantial investments in research and development and to bringing innovative printing plate technologies to our customers around the world. We will defend our innovation and intellectual property rights in the United States and around the world when we believe they are unfairly threatened by other parties."
As for Kodak, a spokesperson for the group tells us: " Kodak believes these allegations are unfounded and we will vigorously defend them."
Fujifilm has also launched legal proceedings against Eastman Kodak's European subsidiaries âeuros Kodak, Kodak Graphic Communications and Kodak Holding âeuros in October and December 2023. Fujifilm is suing them separately for infringement of US patents before the Unified Patent Jurisdiction and in Germany.
