German Court Rules Against Ninestar in HP Patent Case

May 29, 2026

A Munich Regional Court has ruled in favour of HP in a patent infringement case involving Ninestar Corporation, recently renamed Pantum Technology, and related European entities including Seine Holland, G&G, Zhuhai Ninestar Information Technology, and Ninestar Image Tech.

According to industry reporting, the court found an infringement of European Patent EP 3 530 470. Importantly, the ruling confirmed the principle of “expanded group liability”, establishing that parent companies can be held directly liable for patent compliance failures across their European subsidiaries.

For ETIRA, this ruling highlights the growing structural and compliance risks facing European distributors when sourcing products through complex international supply chains. The decision also demonstrates that intellectual property enforcement is intensifying within the European Single Market, potentially creating significant financial and operational liabilities for resellers.

Separately, international trade developments, including ongoing U.S. import restrictions affecting Ninestar-related entities under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), reflect a broader global trend toward increased supply chain accountability and due diligence.

ETIRA reminds European distributors and public procurement officers that maintaining supply chains free from patent infringement risks and wider regulatory exposure is increasingly important for protecting brand integrity and fulfilling corporate code of conduct obligations.

The association continues to encourage European businesses and public authorities to prioritise verified and compliant European remanufactured products as part of a responsible and transparent sourcing strategy.

Source: JUVE Patent