Killer Chip in Ink Jet Cartridges cost people Money

Santa Clara, CAConsumers with ink jet printers are becoming increasingly frustrated with printers that shut down before their ink cartridge is completely empty.

Some inkjet companies produce ink cartridges that contain a computer chip that monitors ink use and holds expiry information. This "killer chip," as it is known in the re-manufacturing industry, prevents re-manufacturers from making compatible cartridges. Furthermore, the expiry on the cartridge prevents consumers from using third party cartridges.

This is not the first time inkjet companies have faced allegations about deceptive practices. In 2002, Lexmark faced a class action lawsuit claiming the company forced consumers to use only their ink.

In April, 2006, Epson settled class action lawsuits that claimed a large amount of ink remained in Epson inkjet cartridges even though the printer indicated the cartridge was empty. Consumers who purchased Epson inkjet printers between April 8, 1999 and May 8, 2006 were given a $45 credit.

Last year a woman from Georgia launched a lawsuit against HP, claiming that their smart-chip technology deceived consumers into purchasing new cartridges before the ink had actually run out. The suit claims that the smart chip was designed to prematurely show that ink had run out and also make the cartridge unusable through an expiration date that the customer is not made aware of.

The printers in question were manufactured by the following companies:

• Hewlett Packard (HP)
  
• Lexmark
  
• Canon
  
• Dell
  
• Brother

If you have purchased an inkjet printer in the past four years, it may be unnecessarily shutting down before the ink cartridge is empty, forcing you to buy replacement cartridges before you actually need to.