James Van Horn, general counsel and secretary for Presstek, said the company was acting to protect its intellectual property, which was a valuable asset.

"Spicers Paper has been aggressively marketing and distributing VIM printing plates, in clear violation of Presstek’s patent and trademark rights," Van Horn said. "We intend to take all necessary steps to stop this infringement."

The US-based plate maker is suing Israeli manufacturer VIM in the International Trade Commission for alleged infringement of Presstek’s patent and trademark rights.

The company has also launched a similar action to protect its alleged rights in Europe, filing a complaint with the Düsseldorf District Court in Germany.

The action also names Vim’s manufacturing partner Hanita Coatings RCA and a number of distributors, including US-based Guaranteed Service & Supplies and Recognition Systems and Canadian-based AteCe Canada.

Presstek is seeking an order forbidding the importation of VIM plates into the US, which would apply not only to the respondents in the case, but to all dealers, distributors and end-users.

The company has already succeeded in forcing US-based Ohio Graphco to agree to stop distributing the plates.

In the ITC action, Presstek alleges that VIM is infringing Presstek’s federally registered DI trademark, while VIM’s Di-R and Dp-R waterless processless thermal plate rolls violate two patents held by Presstek.