Epson files lawsuits against generic ink companies

[elroy]

I just received an email from extracartridges.com stating that Epson has won a lawsuit against a manufacturer of after market ink cartridges for Epson printers. After winning this suit they filed 24 additional lawsuits against companies that manufacture or import Epson compatible cartridges. As a result after market cartridges for Epson printers will become more expensive and harder to find.

Some of Canon's new printers have the print head located on the cartridge similar to HP printers. This will prevent any company from making these cartridges. While some also have ink level chips located on the cartridge which will increase cost of any after market products.

extracartridges.com suggested buying an old model printer while they are still available so you can continue to use the after market cartridges.

[vikeor]

interesting... i can see where this lawsuit is coming from... epson didnt approve the aftermarket cartrigdes...

thats why i re-fill mine ^^

[Undeadlord]

I wonder how that is possible? I mean why aren't car companies out suing aftermarket parts dealers? Seems like if Epson can win, I am sure they could. How is clamping down on aftermarket parts allow a free market system system? Frelling lawsuits.


Undeadlord

[SeanC]

Oh no, Epson is loosing money on their branded, overpriced cartridges so they lash out the only way they know how with lawyers...

I'm sure it won't be long until the other printer manufacturers do the same.

I know one of the manufacturers is working on methods to prevent refill kits from working on their cartridges.

This, if nothing else will push us to the "paperless" society... Let me rephrase, it'll push my household into a "paperless" society. I don't have $80 everytime the cartridges need replacing.

[zepper]

Brother All-in-Ones still use passive ink tanks.

The new Canon chipped tanks can be refilled and at least one maker has reformulated ink to match the new stuff for refilling. Level sensors don't work on refilled tanks and the printer will rat on you if it has to be serviced. I really hate that Canon regressed to integrated head carts with some of the cheaper models - that nonsense forces one to refill for reasonable consumables costs.

RE'd carts can be won against in court - clean room clones can't be. There has to be at least one alternate mfr. of Epson tanks that did it clean room, but those certainly won't be the cheapest.

.bh.

[ShuckyD]

heh sucks for me... all my printers are epson, well at least my photo printers

and i dont think i can refill them since its a "jelly-like" type of ink....

ehh.. oh well i guess i'll just stick to my laser printer

[rabidaardvark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanC

Oh no, Epson is loosing money on their branded, overpriced cartridges so they lash out the only way they know how with lawyers...

I'm sure it won't be long until the other printer manufacturers do the same.

I know one of the manufacturers is working on methods to prevent refill kits from working on their cartridges.

This, if nothing else will push us to the "paperless" society... Let me rephrase, it'll push my household into a "paperless" society. I don't have $80 everytime the cartridges need replacing.

I think Epson has some of the most decently priced cartridges for the home market. My Lexmarks, Canons and HP's required ink every few weeks for 60 or 70 dollars. For 90 I can replace them less than half as much. And if I plan ahead Walmart cuts the price of all 6 cartridges down to under 80, but only online.

[CharmedLover84]

Typical high-end company... ::looks at her Printer and reads "Epson Stylus CX4800":: Oh... well then... LMAO