Many Lexmark printer owners have downloaded a software upgrade for their printers which effectively locks out third-party and refilled ink cartridges.
The upgrade promised to ‘improve’ users’ printers, but it contained a hidden file they were unaware of.
The upgrade is irreversible these printers can ONLY be used with genuine Lexmark inks installed. The website www.inksave.co.uk believe this is an anti-competitive, restrictive practice and campaigning for this to stop.
Lexmark posted a message on Facebook explaining their reasoning for the upgrade.
“We have seen multiple postings in regards to Lexmark’s update and ink usage on our inkjet devices. In January of this year, Lexmark released an update for its current line of inkjet printers that addressed a number of issues, one of which was the unauthorised use of third-party ‘cloned’ versions of the #100 Ink Cartridge,” Lexmark said.
The company tried to justify it's action citing “environmentally sound business policies” of recycling and disposal.
Lexmark said that customers are given "clear information" when they buy a printer that these devices should only use genuine Lexmark cartridges. Most customers clearly didn’t realise the upgrade they downloaded would lock out third-party cartridges. Lexmark insists that customers are “also informed (third time) when they choose to download the firmware update, which enforces the original printer functionality.” It went on to say that customers can have certain original Lexmark cartridges refilled, either by themselves or a third party and they will work in the printer.
The Office of Fair Trading has been asked to report on Lexmark’s practice. In the meantime, if you're a Lexmark owner - BEWARE THE "UPGRADE" - and if you're in the market for a new printer - ask for some genuine free and impartial advice from www.inksave.co.uk - who have 10 years' experience in the consumables market, but don't sell printers so have no axe to grind.
