Brother accused of firmware lockout and quality sabotage
March 7, 2025
Brother faces fresh criticism over firmware updates that degrade print quality when third-party ink and toner are used, sparking concerns over anti-competitive practices.
Brother has been accused of deliberately sabotaging print quality when non-OEM ink and toner are used, following the discovery that recent firmware updates disable key printer functions unless genuine Brother cartridges are installed.
Reports on the US based Consumer Action Taskforce website suggest that firmware updates have removed features such as automatic colour registration and calibration, leading to degraded print performance for users who opt for third-party consumables. The move has sparked accusations that Brother is employing tactics similar to those used by other OEMs, such as HP’s controversial ‘Dynamic Security’ updates, which block non-OEM cartridges outright. (full story here)
Brother has also been criticised for removing older firmware versions from its servers, effectively preventing users from rolling back to a previous version that does not impose these restrictions. This has raised concerns among consumers and businesses that rely on third-party consumables for cost savings and sustainability reasons.
The Recycler attempted to visit Brother’s USA website for further information but was met with a blocking notice, preventing access to the site. The message suggested that a security system had triggered the block, though it remains unclear whether this was related to the firmware controversy or a broader website security measure.
The issue has reignited debate around OEM control over consumables and the broader implications for the remanufacturing industry. While Brother has traditionally been seen as more accommodating of third-party supplies than some competitors, this latest development suggests a shift in approach that could have significant consequences for independent cartridge remanufacturers and resellers.
During the recent Close the Loop open day, Brother’s approach to remanufacturing was highlighted in a speech by McCubbin, who took aim at so-called “clones” and clarified that “refillers are not a concern, but clones are the issue.” It is worth noting that “refillers” is OEM terminology for aftermarket remanufacturers. Brother’s remanufactured cartridges, sold as new, do not carry any price differential, underscoring their confidence in their quality (full story here).
Industry experts warn that such restrictive measures may not only impact consumer choice but could also raise regulatory questions, particularly in markets where fair competition laws apply. Calls for greater transparency and the right to repair have grown louder in recent years, with European policymakers actively pushing for legislation to prevent anti-competitive practices in the imaging sector.
Brother told the Ars TECHNICA website that “firmware updates do not block the use of third-party compatibles,” but added: Brother printers do not intentionally degrade print quality based on whether a Brother Genuine or non-genuine ink/ toner cartridge is used. Brother cannot verify the quality of printing that will result when using a third-party compatible with a Brother printer.
When asked where Brother thinks the confusion may be coming from, the company said: “Brother encourages the use of Brother Genuine ink and toner for optimal performance and reliability, and it is standard practice that we perform a Brother [G]enuine check when troubleshooting a Brother printer. Compatible supplies may range in quality, and in order to verify that a printer is working properly, we like to troubleshoot with Brother Genuine supplies. We believe this check in the process may have led to a misunderstanding[,] but as we confirmed, the firmware update would not be responsible for the degradation of quality or removal of printer features.”
Categories : Around the Industry
