Regarding the Canon patent infringement lawsuit ruling
against Recycle-Assist

On November 8, 2007, the first petty bench of the Supreme Court of Japan handed down a ruling in favor of Canon Inc. in a patent infringement lawsuit filed against Recycle-Assist Co., Ltd.

In the ruling the court acknowledged most of Canon's claim that recycled Canon ink cartridges imported and marketed by Recycle-Assist Co., Ltd. infringed Canon's intellectual property right. According to the ruling, when a patented product is recognized as being newly produced by means of processing or parts replacement, the patent right is enforceable against the newly produced product. Canon is pleased with the Supreme Court's decision and believes it to be highly appropriate.

Canon, as one of its fundamental tenets, has always held the intellectual property rights of other companies in the highest esteem and expects, as a matter of due course, reciprocity from other companies. In accordance with this policy, Canon will continue striving to deliver high-quality products and services to its customers.