- Joined
- Oct 27, 2005
- Messages
- 3,666
- Reaction score
- 1,349
- Points
- 337
- Location
- South Yorks, UK
- Printer Model
- Epson, Canon, HP... A "few"
Epson did something very similar with the series of cartridges used in the Expression Photo and any other series that use the new T26 and T24 cartridges (T27 and something else in the US). They patented the re-manufacturing and refilling process that could be used but the big question has to be whether they can be allowed to effectively block remanufacturing in this manner. It'll be interesting to see if this actually results in the OEMs managing to stifle remanufacturing or if the situation turns to a test case to rule in or out the patents filed in this manner.
As for end-user refilling, there's something of an open ended question there as well.. Refilling your own cartridges shouldn't be an issue, you paid for them, so why shouldn't you be allowed to do what you want with them. Something of an interesting conundrum but it does indicate that the OEMs feel the chip approach is just one part, by patenting such techniques they add more obstacles to competitors..
As for end-user refilling, there's something of an open ended question there as well.. Refilling your own cartridges shouldn't be an issue, you paid for them, so why shouldn't you be allowed to do what you want with them. Something of an interesting conundrum but it does indicate that the OEMs feel the chip approach is just one part, by patenting such techniques they add more obstacles to competitors..
