Printer and ink cartridge manufacturers are never new to disputes and this time around, Canon has resolved a dispute with five other Japanese inkjet cartridge manufacturers.

Canon had filed an injuction early this year against Ohm Electric Inc, Color Creation Inc, Ninestar Japan Co, Futurewell Holding Ltd and REV Corp stating that that the printer cartridges manufactured by these companies violated Canon’s patent on units featuring LED lights. In other words, Canon has held the patent for embedding LEDs on Canon ink cartridges and no other manufacturer can do the same, unless they are permitted to do so by Canon.

Canon decided not to impose a hefty fine on these companies as they agreed not to import, sell, deliver or display for sales purposes the products in question. The Japanese court prompted all the parties involved to settle the issue amicably outside the legal structure.

Canon has reportedly granted time until the end of February to clear the existing stocks.