NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. International Trade Commission to Investigate
VIM Technologies and its Distributors Regarding
Potential Violations of Presstek’s Patent and Trademark Rights
HUDSON, N.H. – March 13, 2008 – Presstek, Inc., the leading manufacturer and marketer of digital offset business solutions, today announced it has been notified by the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) that it is instituting an investigation related to the Company’s previously announced complaint 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.
“The quick and favorable response to our complaint with the ITC is encouraging,” commented Jeff Jacobson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Presstek. “We intend to aggressively defend our valuable intellectual property both in the United States and abroad.”
Presstek is the leading manufacturer and marketer of 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. 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.
About Presstek
Presstek, Inc. is the leading manufacturer and marketer of high tech digital imaging solutions to the graphic arts and laser imaging markets. Presstek’s patented DI®, CTP and plate products provide a streamlined workflow in a chemistry-free environment, thereby reducing printing cycle time and lowering production costs. Presstek solutions are designed to make it easier for printers to cost effectively meet increasing customer demand for high-quality, shorter print runs and faster turnaround while providing improved profit margins. Presstek subsidiary, Lasertel, Inc., manufactures semiconductor laser diodes for Presstek’s and external customers’ applications. For further information visit www.presstek.com, send an e-mail to info@presstek.com or call +44 20 8745 8000 (Europe) or +1 603 595 7000 (North America).
DI is a registered trademark of Presstek, Inc.
Kathleen Makrakis
Director of Investor Relations
203-485-7534 ext. 1432
kmakrakis@presstek.com
Betty LaBaugh
Publich Relations Manager
603-594-8585 ext. 3441
blabaugh@presstek.com
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