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Chris Batten downloaded an upgrade for his printer and discovered Lexmark had removed his ability to use third-party cartridges. We ask if this is playing fair
I downloaded a software upgrade for my Lexmark printer that locks out third-party and refilled ink cartridges. The upgrade promised to ‘improve’ users’ printers but it contained a hidden file I was not aware of.
The upgrade is irreversible and my printer is now unusable unless I replace the non-official ink cartridges. I don’t know if this is legal but I believe this is an anti-competitive, restrictive practice and it should be reversed.
Chris Batten
The upgrade Mr Batten is talking about has gone down like a lead balloon with many owners of Lexmark printers. The company posted a message on Facebook explaining the reason 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 said by doing this it has helped ensure it meets “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 Lexmark cartridges. Mr Batten said he didn’t realise the upgrade he downloaded would lock out third-party cartridges.
However, Lexmark is adamant that customers are “also informed (third time) when they choose to download the firmware update, which enforces the original printer functionality.”
It also said customers can have original regular Lexmark cartridges refilled, either by themselves or a third party and they will work in the printer. But is this anti-competitive behaviour? This would be a matter for the Competition Commission. The term implies that a company’s practices reduce competition – for example price fixing. It is possible that third-party ink manufacturers may think this is the case.
A more plausible form of redress for consumers would be arguing that forcing this on people is be unfair. But again, users do not have to download the update. That said, it is too late for those who have done so and they could argue that this upgrade has fundamentally changed the way they can use the printer. We have asked the Office of Fair Trading what its take on Lexmark’s practice is and will report in the near future.
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No Lexmark
The public have the choice to avoid buying a Lexmark and hit them where it hurts, no sales no profits,Lexmark tactics are a little below the belt, I won't be buying another Lexmark,plenty good printers out there at good prices.
Posted by Bob Moffat, 03 Jun 2011
lexmark unfair update
Well, I am suprised that other printer manufacturers haven't gone down the same route on this, but to be blunt, if Lexmark and the various other makers were to bring the prices of their OEM cartridges to a competitive level more people would be inclined to buy original than 3rd party products, how can forcing the use of OEM carts be more environmentally friendly when 3rd party products already do exactly that by the fact that they are already recycled.Why by their printers for £20 and then have to pay £40 to replace the spent inks!
Posted by Ian, 03 Jun 2011
Printers Company make Money in selling Ink and invest & pay overheads
Printers companies don't make a lot on many printers these days they make the money from selling Ink. so Printers company invest in R&D and Pay salaries and overheads and in some cases lose money on the printer itself is it fair for other to just sell the ink without the Bardeen of investing any if that the case the Printers companies will have to raise the price of the printers and the consumer will pay more
Posted by Khaled, 04 Jun 2011
Printers Company make Money in selling Ink and invest & pay overheads
Printers companies don't make a lot on many printers these days they make the money from selling Ink. so Printers company invest in R&D and Pay salaries and overheads and in some cases lose money on the printer itself is it fair for other to just sell the ink without the Bardeen of investing any if that the case the Printers companies will have to raise the price of the printers and the consumer will pay more
Posted by Khaled, 04 Jun 2011
not given a choice
as far as I am aware I wasn't even told about the firmware upgrade, let alone told about Lexmark's little trick - unlikely I will be buying a Lexmark again in the future
Posted by John Higson, 04 Jun 2011
A decider!
After hearing about this bit of sharp practice by Lexmark, I won't ever consider buying one of their printers.
Posted by Zundapp, 04 Jun 2011
Mmm..
What a con, they should be up there with Dick Turpin! The simple fact is "that" their ink is way too expensive!!
Posted by C_3PO, 04 Jun 2011
Unfair
It's outrageous really, they say it was for recycling purposes, but it's just excuses as always. Luckily I don't have a lexmark printer anymore so i just buy third party cartridges from www.cartridgeexpress.net and my local cartridge world
Posted by Kyle, 13 Jun 2011
Lexmark instructed us to download the update
Lexmark replied to an e-mail we sent about poor toner usage with a link to their website and ADVISED us to download the firmware update to try to solve our problem - I still have the e-mail. Since this, they will NOT answer any other e-mails. DIXONS owner of PC-World will not consider a part-exchange for the printer which we bought from them 1 year ago at reduced price: PC-World sell Lexmark toners - what a surprise!
Posted by y, 20 Jun 2011
Lexmark Printers
Thanks for this, I am looking to buy a new printer and will certainly not even consider Lexmark now.
Posted by Derek Hart, 24 Jun 2011
Disposable Printers
I have an X543D. A new printer is cheaper than a set of inks of the same capacity so I buy a printer to throw it away and keep the ink. How green is that ?
Posted by John Statham, 30 Jun 2011
Never again
Having bought a Lexmark yesterday, running the firmware update, then becoming aware of this policy, I am considering returning the printer. What I am not considering is buying another Lexmark. Let's be clear on this - this is not treating the consumer with respect, and for that reasonalone they do not deserve my business. If they wish to cross subsidise printers for ink sales, declare this up front, let the consumer elect whether to buy a "locked" printer. In the unlikely instance that anyone from Lexmark reads this post - this will damage your business. I will never buy another Lexmark printer, I will never recommend a Lexmark printer.
Posted by Noel Clothier, 04 Jul 2011
Also won't be buying a Lexmark now
Like other commenters, I was about to buy a Lexmark printer, but after reading this article I won't be. So arrogant to block 3rd party ink, it's anti-competitive because it prevents others selling ink to Lexmark printer owners at a lower cost. Disgusting.
Posted by Victoriakiwis, 12 Jul 2011
I also downloaded the upgrade to my disappointment and am thinking of replacing with another cheaper printer model
very disappointed
Posted by keith rylance, 28 Aug 2011
Nothing new here
All printer manufacturers have been playing 'dirty' to stop people using 3rd-party ink. They use every trick in the book to print their own business interests and stop people from saving money. There ae so many 1-use or 2-use printers being thrown by users because they cannot afford the replacement ink. I am surprised that EU and other govts are not doing anything concrete to stop this practice.
Posted by Harry A, 05 Feb 2012
Not be buying
My daughter was for buying a Lexmark printer but after seeing this she will be buying something else
Posted by George Service, 28 Mar 2012
Lexmark big brother
Was just going to replace my old lex with an up to date model. Have always used original inks but resent Being-forced to do so. Consumers should be left to choose and my choice is now to buy another brand.
Posted by D, 02 May 2012