Presstek Sues VIM Technologies and its Distributors Claiming Patent Infringement

HUDSON, N.H.—Presstek, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of digital offset business solutions, announced the filing of a Complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) against Israeli printing plate manufacturer VIM Technologies, Ltd. and its manufacturing partner Hanita Coatings RCA, Ltd. for infringement of Presstek’s patent and trademark rights. Presstek also sued three U.S.-based distributors of VIM products: Guaranteed Service & Supplies, Inc., Ohio Graphco Inc., and Recognition Systems Inc., as well as one Canadian based distributor, AteCe Canada. Presstek is seeking, among other things, an Order from the ITC forbidding the importation and sale of the VIM printing plates in the United States; such an Order would be enforced at all U.S. borders by the U.S. Customs Service.

Presstek’s ITC Complaint alleges that VIM’s “Di-R Waterless Processless Thermal Plate Rolls” infringe Presstek’s U.S. Patent Nos. 5,339,737 and 5,487,338. Presstek also claims that VIM is infringing Presstek’s Federally registered DI® Trademark. Presstek has held this trademark since 1992.

Presstek manufactures and markets high-tech digital imaging solutions to the graphic arts and laser imaging markets and owns hundreds of patents in the United States and worldwide covering its technology. “Our intellectual property is a valuable company asset, and we will continue to take legal action to protect our rights,” said Jeff Jacobson, president and CEO of Presstek. “We will enforce our rights against VIM and its distributors not only in North America, but in Europe and other parts of the world as well,” added Jacobson.