HP faces legal action over printer practices
November 26, 2024
French NGO accuses tech giant of planned obsolescence amid mounting global lawsuits.
Hewlett-Packard (HP), the American multinational technology company, is facing mounting legal challenges internationally. In the latest development, the French NGO Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (HOP), or Stop Planned Obsolescence, has filed a formal complaint with the French Public Prosecutor. The organisation alleges that HP has deliberately implemented software measures in its printers that limit the functionality of third-party ink cartridges, forcing consumers to buy its proprietary products.
HOP accuses HP of planned obsolescence, claiming the company’s firmware updates render certain cartridges inoperable, even if they are compatible. In extreme cases, the NGO asserts that HP’s printers cease functioning entirely when a non-HP cartridge is detected. HOP’s investigation also alleges HP has reduced the volume of ink in its cartridges while simultaneously increasing prices, driving the cost of its ink to as much as €7,500 ($7,871) per litre.
“After months of investigation, we have decided to inform the Public Prosecutor of HP’s practices, which we consider scandalous in 2024, but above all forbidden in France,” said Laetitia Vasseur, co-founder and general delegate of HOP. “Stop Planned Obsolescence denounces HP’s illegal, unfair, and aggressive strategies aimed at inciting overconsumption of the brand’s new cartridges. These practices are detrimental to both consumers and the environment.”
This legal challenge in France comes amid a wave of lawsuits and investigations targeting HP’s business practices globally. In November 2024, HP faced a $5 million (€4.77 million) class-action lawsuit in California over its Instant Ink subscription program. Plaintiffs in the case allege that HP remotely disabled printers and cartridges when customers cancelled their subscriptions, effectively locking users into the program. Critics say the policy infringes on consumer rights and breaches fair trade principles.
Earlier this year, HP was also accused of anticompetitive practices in the United States. Allegations included the deployment of firmware updates that block non-HP cartridges, a move seen by many as an attempt to eliminate competition in the lucrative printer ink market.
Additionally, a 2023 class-action lawsuit in the US advanced past a motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs argue that HP’s all-in-one printers disable scanning and faxing functions when ink levels are low, even though these features do not require ink. Consumer advocates say this design compels users to purchase more ink unnecessarily.
With France’s strict legal framework prohibiting planned obsolescence, the outcome of HOP’s complaint could set a precedent and highlight growing concerns over planned obsolescence and anti-consumer practices in the tech sector.
Our take on this: As scrutiny intensifies, HP faces pressure to align its operations with its stated commitment to sustainability and consumer transparency. Industry observers will be closely watching these developments, which underscore the importance of responsible business practices in the modern marketplace.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : Consumer Environment HOP HP Lawsuit Legal Technology
