The subject of clones was a hot topic at the recent Focus on Europe conference, and HP, which has been fighting against and seizing counterfeit cartridges across the globe for the last few months, has now implored the aftermarket to aid its attempts to stop counterfeiting and clone manufacturing.
In a message to ETIRA, HP stated that it “welcomes fair and open competition within the ink and toner cartridge market”, but that it will “continue to vigorously defend its intellectual property rights”.
It provided an email address, clones@hp.com, where any relevant information can be sent confidentially; adding that “inappropriately obtained information” will not be accepted.
The OEM added it “is interested in learning more about new-built cartridges” and that it would welcome any “publicly available information on who is selling this product, where it is sold” and other important details.
ETIRA stated: “ETIRA calls on all its members to provide this information about patent infringing toner clones directly to this e-mail address. However, if you prefer that your name is not revealed, please send this information to ETIRA and we will forward it to HP.”
Another similarly worded press release was also posted (German only)by the OEM’s German subsidiary, which added that with clones, the OEMs are just as affected as the aftermarket is.
What do you think about HP’s moves to enlist the aftermarket’s help against clones? Do you think clones are the biggest issue affecting the aftermarket? Let us know by emailing the news team.