HP faces investigation for potential anticompetitive practices
October 5, 2023
HP finds itself in the legal crosshairs following allegations of deploying firmware updates that seemingly block the usage of non-HP ink cartridges, sparking substantial consumer ire and inviting investigations into potential anticompetitive practices.
Hewlett-Packard (HP), a prominent technology company, is presently under a legal microscope by ClassAction.org for purportedly deploying firmware updates that obstruct the utilisation of non-HP ink cartridges in its printers, a move that has ignited allegations of anticompetitive practices. Investigations are underway by attorneys in cooperation with ClassAction.org to discern whether these actions contravene legal standards by illegitimately suppressing competition and infringing upon consumers’ rights.
HP has explained through a support article that their printers utilise a feature termed “dynamic security,” which is aimed at ensuring the devices work with original HP ink and toner cartridges, ostensibly to maintain quality and functionality. Nonetheless, consumers and media outlets like Ars Technica have pointed out that HP has been systematically pushing firmware updates since 2016 that not only block third-party ink but also do so without any prior notice to its customers.
Furthermore, users have reported that messages warning about potential quality issues with non-HP cartridges have transitioned to outright refusals to print unless HP’s own cartridges are inserted.
Following multiple complaints lodged by users, ClassAction.org attorneys are exploring the feasibility of initiating a class action lawsuit, which could potentially compel HP to compensate affected consumers for their monetary losses—both from the inability to use non-HP ink and the subsequent requirement to purchase often pricier HP ink. The ongoing investigation seeks to validate claims and gather evidence to either substantiate or dispel the allegations of anticompetitive behaviours.
The current allegations are not unprecedented; HP has previously been in the legal spotlight and even settled more than one lawsuit in the US and another in Europe and were also fined $10 million (€9.51 million) by the Italian competition authorities for similar issues.
Residents of several US states, namely Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and California, who have been impacted by the inability to use non-HP ink due to these firmware updates, are currently being encouraged to engage with the investigation.
This engagement involves sharing their experiences and could play a pivotal role in mobilizing a class action lawsuit against HP. The prospect of a lawsuit seeks not only to reimburse affected parties but also possibly influence HP to retract firmware updates that are proven to be anticompetitive and, by extension, enforce a more consumer-friendly approach in the future.
Are you or your customers affected by this issue? You can reach ClassAction.org here.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : Class Action ClassAction.org Firmware HP Investigation
