Hello,

I am researching information on printer ink and toner chipping technology as a basis for a class action lawsuit we're filing against printer and copier manufacturers.

There are many printer manufacturers which intentionally "chip" their print cartridges, that is, they add digital technology to their ink or toner cartridges that prevents them from being refilled or replaced by competitive ink or toner. Such technology generally acts as an odometer set to allow a pre-defined number of prints or print-head firings, regardless if there is any ink or toner left in the cartridge. Often, when the cartridge is removed from the printer, or the odometer chip is removed or non-present, the printer refuses to function even if ink or toner is present in the printer.

Other technology used may include the integration of printer heads, toner drums, or patented protected technology with the ink/toner cartridge, which not only makes the cartridge more expensive to replace, but makes it impossible for generic replacements to exist.

Manufacturers claim that this technology is to "protect consumers from inferior ink or toner which might clog or jam the printer, and void its warranty". In reality, this technology is used to stifle competition and insure that printer manufactures can profit through continual sales of high priced ink, which often costs more than the printer itself.

This behavior by printer manufacturers can qualify as "anti-trust" to their consumers. Over the last 5 to 10 years, they have implemented technology to milk the consumer and harm the competitive market of printer ink and toner medium.

We are looking for a list of known printer manufactures and printer models to implement such technology, and to what extent. Where possible, dates of fabrication (usually located on the back or bottom of the printer) would be appreciated. Please outline the type of technology used, how this stifles competition, and what hoops the user might have to go through in order to hack or override this technology (if there are any such work-arounds).

Thank you.

In all fairness the information you seek is already widely available should you ever decide to actively research the topic.

The three manufacturers are:
Epson
Canon
Hewlett Packard

As to the printer models, cartridges, etc... I'd recommend talking to 3rd party retailers, especially those who've already been sued by Epson, etc... They'll have all the information you need.


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Printers: (Canon) MP500/830, MX700, iP4000/4200/4300/4500/5200, iX4000(A3) (Epson) C84/86, D88, CX6600, R285/800/1900 (HP) K550, K850, K5400, L7680