Fargo Electronics has entered into a strategic alliance with Toppan Printing Co. Ltd.
According to the agreement, Fargo is to become one of two worldwide distributors (outside of Japan) for the Toppan CP400 card printer.
In addition, Viisage Technology and Fargo have entered into a distribution agreement that allows Viisage to distribute the full line of Fargo printers and to distribute the Toppan CP400 printer worldwide outside of Japan. As part of this agreement, Fargo has made Viisage its exclusive distributor of the Toppan CP400 printer to the U.S. federal government and U.S. state driver's license markets. Viisage has also committed to purchase products from Fargo over the next two years, and Viisage will pay Fargo a commission on future sales of the Toppan CP400 printer and consumables for the Department of Defense Common Access Card program.
Fargo, Toppan and Viisage also announced today that they have agreed to a settlement of the lawsuit Fargo filed against Toppan and Trans Digital Technologies Corporation (TDT), in July, 2004, alleging that a reverse image printer manufactured by Toppan and distributed by TDT infringes four U.S. patents owned by Fargo. The settlement requires Toppan to pay Fargo an amount of $400,000 U.S.
"We are pleased with the opportunities that will come with this alliance and the resolution of our lawsuit," said Gary Holland, Fargo's CEO. "Fargo now has another technology partner in Toppan, and the agreement with Viisage increases our distribution opportunities."
Bernard Bailey, president and CEO of Viisage, said "This is an ideal relationship for us as well. Having the exclusive rights to sell the Toppan CP400 printer to the federal government market and the U.S. state drivers license market continues our strategy of providing our customers with all of the technologies required for today's identity solutions. Adding Fargo products to the Viisage solution set for these and other markets gives us greater breadth to better serve our current customers and uncover new opportunities."
