Mobile, Alabama-based QMS Inc’s potentially lucrative contract with Hewlett-Packard Co on laser printer controllers has turned sour, and QMS is now seeking arbitration on the agreement. QMS claims Hewlett breached the pact and interfered with QMS’s efforts to market the JetScript controller, and wants to recover about $15m in lost profits, as well as additional general and punitive damages. The JetScript controller was developed by QMS at Hewlett’s request to be an enhancement to the LaserJet Series II printer, because users of the LaserJet wanted PostScript page description language capability. QMS was to sell the product to Hewlett dealers in North America, and Hewlett would sell it elsewhere – but the forecast requirement of 38,186 units has not materialised, and QMS claims Hewlett lost its enthusiasm.
