News Releases

U.S. International Trade Commission Investigates Patent Infringement by Suprema, Inc and a U.S. Distributor

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. June 15, 2010 – The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation of Suprema, Inc.’s and their US distributor, Mentalix, Inc.’s activities based on Cross Match’s patent infringement complaint filed on May 11, 2010. The ITC investigation will address all four Cross Match patents asserted in Cross Match’s complaint, which relate to Cross Match’s patented Auto Capture™ process, as well at its pioneering inventions in the areas of rolled print capture and optical systems.  These technologies permit enhanced and reliable fingerprint image acquisition. 

Suprema, based in Korea, manufactures fingerprint scanners, among other products.  Mentalix, based in Plano, Texas, sells Suprema products.

Cross Match has asked the ITC to issue an exclusion order, barring Suprema’s infringing products from importation into the United States, and a cease and desist order barring the sale of any infringing products already in the United States. Cross Match filed its complaint in the ITC after suing Suprema and Mentalix for patent infringement in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

“We are pleased that the ITC reviewed our detailed complaint and promptly instituted an investigation of Suprema and its distributor's infringing products,” said Cross Match CEO Jim Grau. “Cross Match’s significant investments in research and development have enabled it to develop the most advanced biometric devices in the world.  These devices are used all over the world to protect and secure lives, property and privacy.  Suprema's blatant and unlicensed use of Cross Match's patented technology left us with no choice but to file a complaint with the ITC to halt Suprema's continued infringement.”

Cross Match has a rich history of innovation. The company and its subsidiaries have been granted over 110 patents and have many additional patent applications pending in the field of biometric identity solutions. Grau said Cross Match intends to vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights to protect its proprietary technologies.

About Cross Match Technologies
Cross Match Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of biometric identity management systems, applications and enabling technologies to governments, law enforcement agencies and businesses around the world. These solutions are used to capture and process the unique physical characteristics of individuals to establish and verify their identities. Offerings include multiple biometric technologies capable of wireless, mobile or stationary use that encompass fingerprint, palm and full-hand scanners, facial recognition systems, iris scanning technology, document readers, biometric software, and related services. For more information visit www.crossmatch.com.

Company Contact:
Kathryn Hutton, General Counsel
Tel: 561.622.1650
kathryn.hutton@crossmatch.com