Lexmark uses DMCA to block third-party toner cartridges

[sterno]

Lexmark has been putting proprietary chips in their toner cartridges to prevent other manufacturers from making cartridges for Lexmark printers. Naturally, another company promptly figured out how to make their own chip that would work and started selling it to third-party cartridge manufacturers. A judge recently granted Lexmark's request for a preliminary injunction against that company (Static Control Components Inc) based on Lexmark's claim that the chips (which is to say, the competing products) are a violation of the DMCA.

If you've ever looked at the prices on name-brand toner cartridges for workgroup laser printers, you'll understand why this is a big deal.

[MOVIEGEEK]

What next?
If I buy "XYZ" auto parts instead of Ford parts will they sue "XYZ"?
I have a Lexmark inkjet and buy factory refills and save 50% but I realize cartidges/toner are where the real money is made by the retailer and manufactuer.If Lexmark patented their chip technology then the law is on their side......unfortunatly.

[sterno]

What next?
If I buy "XYZ" auto parts instead of Ford parts will they sue "XYZ"?

Actually it might be possible to apply the same thing to the modification kits that let you change the settings in the engine computer on modern cars. I'm not sure what kind of patent/copyright/etc. they have on those, though. And maybe to some of the tools to read the diagnostic information from the engine computer.

A more direct automotive comparison would be to some of the cars that used to have (not sure if any current models do) a "service engine" light that came on every XX,000 miles and could only be turned off with a trip to the dealer. In states that required vehicle inspections that light would immediately fail the car, so even people who knew it was meaningless had to take it in. The way to reset it was a very closely guarded secret among the dealers.

[MOVIEGEEK]

The way to reset it was a very closely guarded secret among the dealers.

Usually disconnecting the battery for 5 min. resets it.

[zzyzzx]

Even if you didn't want to spend the money on the service manual to tell you how to turn off the annoying light, most likely you can serach the internet and find out how to do it.

And I do have a Lexmark laser printer. It's made by Samsung so I don't know if I wuld be affected by this but when the time comes I plan on refilling the existing cartridge as many times as I can until the drum unit goes bad (toner/drum unit is a combined piece).

[Marco33]

I have a Lexmark but, the local BIG club sells the refills cheap. But, If I was forced (there's that word again... Force) to buy their cartriges only, you can bet I would buy a different print next time around.