HP is working on techniques to block private label cartridges on low-cost printers

HP is working on new techniques to block private label cartridges on low-cost printers. That has been announced by the manufacturer. More expensive printers would still have the option of using cheaper cartridges.

The printer manufacturer will ‘develop various techniques’ to block private label cartridges, various media write, including Bloomberg, based on a meeting between HP and analysts. As a result, HP wants to earn more from printing services, such as Instant Ink. In addition, the manufacturer provides users with cartridges in exchange for a monthly subscription, which costs more the more users print.

The strategy is to offer printers at a reduced price that only work with HP cartridges, while more expensive printers also work with private label cartridges. In addition, the manufacturer earns more money with the hardware.

It is unknown exactly which techniques HP is developing to block private label cartridges. The announcement is not a turnaround. The manufacturer already blocked private label cartridges on 25 of its printers this spring. This is not the first time that HP has blocked private label cartridges with a firmware update. The same happened in 2016, but this update was subsequently rolled back by the manufacturer itself after complaints from users. Since December 2016, HP printers have a sticker on their box that states that ‘cartridges without an HP chip may not work and cartridges that work today may not work in the future’.