Lazare Kaplan Initiates Litigation Against PhotoScribe Technologies, Inc.

Lazare Kaplan International Inc. (LKI) recently announced that it has initiated litigation against PhotoScribe Technologies, Inc. in New York, claiming infringement of LKI's intellectual property rights with respect to laser inscription of diamonds.

This litigation has potentially far reaching consequences as LKI's patent portfolio includes claims directed to the inscribed gemstone itself. The patents also have claims relating to methods of, and apparatus for, laser inscribing gemstones. LKI intends to seek damages and pursue remedies relating to the value added to the infringing gemstones in the retail marketplace.

According to a release by the company, LKI anticipates that upon its success in this litigation, it will initiate other proceedings seeking seizure by the U.S. Customs Border Patrol Agency of infringing diamonds and other gemstones at their point of importation into the United States. LKI also is considering initiating action against gem-grading laboratories and other parties that may be infringing the LKI patent portfolio.

Leon Tempelsman, President of LKI, said, "This is a necessary step to protect the significant investments LKI has made as an innovator of laser inscription technology in the diamond industry, and specifically our investment in the development of a laser inscription patent portfolio. We intend to pursue vigorously all available legal remedies to protect that portfolio, and to seek out all parties, their clients, and their clients' gemstones, which infringe on LKI's patent rights. LKI has always believed in and stood for a diamond business based on trust, integrity and adherence to the law, and we expect these same ethical standards to be honored where our legal rights in intellectual property are concerned."