http://www.enxmag.com/2012_months/Apr2012/cbrewer_CanonsLawsuite_42012.htm

Canon’s selection of defendants suggests it is more interested in pursuing companies that sell infringing products rather than those that actually make them. This strategy is likely to cause channels selling non-OEM cartridges for LaserJet machines to contract. Suing smaller distributors and retailers will cause some to exit the market because rather than rack up huge legal bills many small firms will settle with Canon and drop the offending third-party products. Pursuing retailers and distributors also forces channel organizations not named in the matter to think twice about offering third-party supplies that may put them at risk for future OEM lawsuits.

Thought this article was interesting....believe this type of suit is a smart strategy for a specific goal.

glta