HP Blocks eXpansys from Importing Non-European iPAQs into Europe

A court in the United Kingdom has forbidden eXpansys from importing and then selling non-European iPAQs in Europe.

According to The Register, HP, which brought the suit against the online retailer, argued that eXpansys was infringing on its trademarks.

eXpansys, on the other had, argued that HP had tacitly approved of the practice by oversupplying iPAQs to non-European regions.

It also accused HP of trying to control the prices of its products.

After hearing these arguments, the judge ordered the retailer to stop importing HP products into Europe and to pay "substantial costs and damages."

HP warned that it would take similar action against any other retailer that was importing its products into Europe without its permission.

It also plans to keep a watchful eye on its authorized resellers to be sure they aren't selling items to companies that intended to export and resell them.

Just for Europe

This ruling only affects Europe, not the United States. eXpansys makes a regular practice of selling U.S. residents HP products it has exported from Europe.

It is not known at this time if HP plans to bring legal action in the U.S. to stop this practice.

Thanks to Pocket PC Thoughts for the tip.

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