Canon Announces Agreement with MPHJ Technology Investments
Canon’s Customers Are Protected From Patent Infringement Claims Related To Systems Using Network Addressable Document Scanning Equipment And Software*
MELVILLE, N.Y., June 21, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announces it has reached an agreement with MPHJ Technology Investments, LLC (MPHJ) to protect Canon customers from MPHJ’s patent infringement allegations directed toward end-user systems using network addressable document scanning equipment and software.*
While Canon products themselves were not alleged to infringe these patents, Canon determined that, in this unique situation, entering into an agreement with MPHJ was the best way to protect the interests of Canon customers. “At Canon, our top priority is supporting our customers,” noted Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A. “This is an unusual situation as it targets our customers, not Canon. Because providing superior customer service and support is paramount for us, we determined that entering into this agreement was the best way to support our valued customers.”
MPHJ has been engaging in a patent licensing campaign asserting a number of patents it owns relating to “systems having a digital copier/scanner/multifunctional device with an interface to office equipment (or to the web) and related software, for scanning or copying and transmitting images electronically to one or more destinations such as e-mail, applications or local files.” MPHJ’s patents are related to the whole “enterprise system” for accomplishing the goal and are not directed at an MFP or scanning device alone. Thus, it is end-users, not manufacturers, who are the target of the patent owner. Through its agreement with MPHJ, Canon has ensured that users of devices purchased from Canon or any Canon distributor or reseller are protected from any allegations of infringement by MPHJ with respect to use of those devices in end-user systems.
End-users of Canon document scanning equipment who have been contacted by MPHJ should contact their Canon authorized dealer or should contact 1- 877-358-3855 if they have questions about how the agreement between Canon and MPHJ may impact them.
Canon remains committed to pursuing legal enforcement against those who do not respect Canon’s intellectual property, and to aggressively defending itself against allegations related to intellectual property infringement.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
*This would include document scanning equipment that can be connected to a network indirectly through a PC.