HP printers block third party print cartridges

HP printers are no longer recognising unofficial and cheaper printer ink cartridges after a firmware update, according to third party Dutch printer ink vendor 123inkt.

HP admits that as a result of the update, settings had been changed so HP printers would only communicate with cartridges with HP chips.

HP Inc told the BBC: “The purpose of this update is to protect HP’s innovations and intellectual property.”

As a result of the update, printer users are receiving a variety of error messages, including “cartridge problem”, “one or more cartridges are missing or damaged” and “older generation cartridge”.

Printer ranges affected by the firmware update include HP OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro and OfficeJet Pro X.

HP Inc told the BBC: “These printers will continue to work with refilled or re-manufactured cartridges with an original HP security chip. Other cartridges may not function.”

Earlier this month, HP Inc acquired the printer business of Samsung for around $1bn.

@AntonySavvas

Antony Savvas

York, UK-based Antony Savvas has been a technology journalist for 25 years and has expertise in all major areas of enterprise and consumer IT. He has worked for a number of leading technology magazines and websites and his work is syndicated across the internet. He also undertakes corporate work for some of the world's leading technology companies.