David,

As I have said before, IF TOG has the prior art, proof, etc., where the
H E double-hockey sticks were they when the earlier cases were being filed?

It wasn't their butt on the line so they were in no hurry to help out their competitors but NOW, all of a sudden, they decide to dig into their archives for the paperwork.

Final point: IF they did "invent" or were the first with the process, where the heck are THEIR patents or applications?

This will be an interesting saga to follow...

Steve,

Those are the obvious questions.

Another dynamic, if TOG prevails, the market will be flooded with inexpensive ink, which will be good for almost everyone but those selling ink at today's prices.

Of course, with the TG licensing deals, there's not as much profit in ink sales, (even at today's prices) as when dealers were "free agents."

I'm wishing TOG luck, but this looks like the ultimate uphill battle. >.< 

"Final point: IF they did "invent" or were the first with the process, where the heck are THEIR patents or applications?"

I don't think they have to have a patent to win....all they have to prove is prior art.

Not everyone files a patent when they discover a new process (Although at this point I bet they wish they had.)

Brian G.

Brian,

Over the years, I've certainly heard many "prior art stories." Particularly from Europe.

Logically, the main deterent to a company's pressing the (patent) issue would be:

Who would spend the millions necessary, only to open the market to unbridled competition and watch the price of sublimation ink drop like a rock?

Brian,

That seems to be the #1 answer at present :-) 

As usual, we'll be interested onlookers, as the case progresses.

Chuck,

Sublijet (Sawgrass Technologies) and ArTainium (Tropical Graphics) are definitely different formulas of ink. If TG has changed the formula of ArTainium ink, since they became a subsidiary of SG, or will do so in the future, is anyone's guess.

In the past, one of the sore points for sublimators, was the practice of an ink supplier changing formulations without notification. If the new formulation rendered the same colors, there was really no harm, as long as the formula change was meant to reduce clogging or introduce a blacker black.

It's when the change in formulation was a cost-cutting measure and repeatability of colors became unreliable that people got up in arms. Rightly so.

TOG is pursuing this case, partly, as a matter of principle. Bill Wellborn, the founder, was one of the pioneers in the industry and his son, Ty, who now runs the company, doesn't want to see his father retire, labeled as a patent infringer. Especially, since he was selling sublimation ink prior to the SG patents being filed.

I spoke to a Sawgrass representative at the recent Long Beach NBM show.

I received a straight answer, to a straight question:

Q: "When will the SG vs. TOG battle ensue?

A: It's in progress.

David,

As noted in another forum, the battle is TOG vs SG, not the other way around. TOG made a pre-emptory (SP) attack by bringing suit in Texas.

This could, IMHO, put SG at a disadvantage since they don't have their "relatives" hearing the case.

TOG has history on their side for creating/selling sublimation inks before SG's patents were filed.... They may, at the least, be exempted due to the prior commerce they engaged in. At the other end of the spectrum is a very remote possiblility that SG may be held liable for "using" TOG's formulations and methods. I don't know if TOG ever went for a patent attempt.

This all might be a moot point considering the new laser technology being released very shortly.... sublimation without "ink" may just put SG in their place...

With all due respect to Paul H. and his great crew, I would NOT be unhappy to see the whole SG empire go down in flames, attitude and all!

To quote Nathan Hale, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. ... " Perhaps contemporary situations call for changing life to company!!!

Anything is possible but I can't see them letting a competitor get a foothold ahead of them.... and the system I am thinking of is not a direct to fabric process.

It is a laser printer to paper transfer which should offer great new flexibility to awards, plaques and any other coated hardgood as well as fabric. :-) 

Uncle Steve, you have seen my preexisting tech items on sale for that set of processes already. Doing fairly nicely also.

David has some samples also.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Tips Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Yes, I have seen them and they are terrific.....

This is just another step in getting away from the wet process. Just like with the inks, the toners keep improving and so does the output.