Stratasys Sues 3D Printer Maker Microboards over Alleged 3D Printer Patent Infringement

The Star Tribune reports that 3D-printer maker Stratasys has filed a patent infringement suit against Microboards Technology, which makes the Afinia H-Series consumer 3-D printer.

The suit, filed in federal court in Minneapolis, Minnesota, seeks unspecified damages from Microboards and a permanent injunction preventing sales of the Afinia printer, and alleges violation of four of Stratasys’ patents.

Stratasys recently acquired MakerBot, a consumer 3D printer firm based in Brooklyn, New York, which now puts Stratasys in direct competition with the Microboards Afinia printer. 

Stratasys CEO David Reis said in a statement: “Intellectual property infringement discourages companies from investing in innovation. Stratasys pioneered 3-D printing, and invests millions of dollars each year to develop our technologies. In 2012 alone, Stratasys Ltd invested $33.3 million or 9.3 percent of its revenues in R&D. We intend to protect that investment.”