Lexmark appears to have changed the license-agreement terms on Return Program (formerly known as Prebate) cartridges. The change in language indicates that after end users install Return Program cartridges Lexmark will use firmware updates to prevent the use of counterfeit and certain third-party cartridges. Previously, the license-agreement terms for Return Program cartridges read, “Please read
The attack of the clones continues, and sales of cloned cartridges are increasing in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Cheap, new-build, patent-infringing consumables are having a profound impact on the printer and MFP consumables market in that region, according to International Data Corporation (IDC), which recently released some second-half 2013 data from its Europe, the
This week, reports began to circulate that French third-party supplies manufacturer Armor has some new owners. Seven members of the firm’s top management team, including CEO Hubert de Boiseredron, have bought a majority stake in the company. OPI was the first source we saw to report the news. According to the OPI post, Mr. Boiseredron
Apex Microelectronics recently announced the release of serial-number (SN) switchable chips for use on toner cartridges for the Lexmark MS, MX, CS, and CX series of laser printers and MFPs. This is the latest chip from Apex designed to combat issues with Lexmark firmware updates preventing the use of aftermarket cartridges. In November 2013, Lexmark
German ink manufacturer OCP recently announced new inks for the Canon CL-146, CL-246, CL-446, CL-546, CL-646, and CL-746 cartridge series, as well as the high-yield XL versions of these cartridges. The new set consists of dye-based cyan, magenta, and yellow inks; OCP states that its previously released BKP 44 pigmented black ink for certain Canon
Samsung has moved forward in its litigation against resellers of new-build Samsung-compatible toner cartridges. In November 2013, a Munich court awarded Samsung a preliminary injunction against seven unnamed distributors that would prevent them from selling the new-build cartridges that violate Samsung’s patents (see “Samsung Steps Up Efforts to Combat Clones in Europe”). According to Digital
On April 1, Canon, Inc., amended the 11 patent-infringement lawsuits against various third-party supplies manufacturers and resellers that the OEM had originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York at the end of January (see “Here We Go Again: Canon Sues Firms for Infringing Various Gear and Drum Patents”).
A New Jersey bill that would require manufacturers of inkjet printers and cartridges to list yields on the packaging has gotten a new chance at life as well as a new supporter—Cartridge World. The bill, known in the 2013–2014 legislative session as A1230, had passed through both the state assembly and senate as of this
Earlier today, Judge Michael R. Barrett issued his orders on both of Impression Products’ motions to dismiss Lexmark’s toner cartridge patent-infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The end result is a classic “win some, lose some” scenario. While Impression Products prevailed on its motion to dismiss Lexmark’s claims
On March 24, Static Control Components announced the appointment of Makkon (www.makkon.com.ua) of Kiev as its authorized distributor in Ukraine. Juan Carlos Bonell, Static Control’s vice president of distributor markets, said in prepared remarks, “We are very excited to announce Makkon as our authorized distributor in Ukraine. Makkon has been investing considerable resources to deliver