Defendants in Digital Printing Battle Seek Seattle Venue

Printer manufacturers Canon, Kodak, Panasonic, Richo, and Kyocera are attempting to bring battle over digital printing technology to a Seattle venue. In an apparent belief that the best defense is a good offense, the manufacturers sought a declaratory judgment that US Patent No. 5,166,809 ("Apparatus and Methods for Digital Halftoning") is not infringed, invalid, and unenforceable due to inequitable conduct. The suit in Seattle is in response to an August 8, 2007 lawsuit filed by an affiliate of Acacia Research Corporation in the Eastern District of Texas (2:07CV340DF). The Seattle suit also names an individual, Paul S. Snypp. The Manufacturers are challenging jurisdiction and venue in the Eastern District of Texas.