The OEM has applied for three patents in Europe concerning remanufacturing of a toner cartridge, with the documents also covering refilling.
The documents include EP 3 026 499 A1, EP 3 026 498 A1 and EP 3 026 497 A1, with all three relating to a “remanufacturing method of a developer accommodating unit including a frame member configured to accommodate a flexible container for accommodating developer”. The third document outlines that the method includes removing the container from the frame member, and refilling the developer into the flexible container.
In turn, the second of the documents adds that the flexible container features an opening deliberately configured to accommodate developer, with the remanufacturing method covering and including the refilling of the developer into the flexible container, while the first document covers refilling the developer into the frame member in its remanufacturing method.
Canon has previously either applied for or been granted patents with potential impacts for the aftermarket in both June and March 2014 and in December 2012, with ETIRA opposing the patent registered in March 2014, stating “this is a patent which is worth fighting on behalf of the entire industry”.
Lexmark also applied for a number of patents that could have implications for the industry in late December 2014, while earlier this year, Canon applied for a patent to cover cartridge levels and their low threshold value.
Detail: http://www.therecycler.com/posts/canon-applies-for-remanufacturing-patents/
