Lawsuit: HP Printers Intentionally Fail When Using Off-Brand Ink Cartridges

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A proposed class action claims HP, Inc. intentionally installed firmware on certin wireless all-in-one printer models that caused the machines to fail when used with non-HP brand ink cartridges. The plaintiffs allege the defendants engaged in this practice as part of a “scheme” to force customers to only use their ink cartridges.

Filed in California district court, the 19-page complaint says the plaintiffs’ printer stopped working after firmware was allegedly installed on the machine without consent by the defendant. The firmware is allegedly responsible for causing the printer to disable if non-HP ink cartridges are used, with an error message instructing users to replace the ink cartridges.

From the lawsuit:

“HP intentionally installed this firmware in order to force consumer to purchase HP’s more expensive ink cartridges as opposed to the less expensive ink cartridges manufactured by its competitors. This scheme was intended to and did cause HP to profit in the form of ink cartridge sales and servicing charges.”