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EU-based HP printer owners could get a windfall after the company confirmed it would compensate some as a result of not knowing their printers were enabled with the “Dynamic Security” feature.
The feature in question limited the functionality of printers when using third-party cartridges with non-HP chips or circuitry.
The settlement, which comes from a total fund of $1.35 million, comes after a legal claim against HP from advocacy group Euro consumers.
What really happened?
Dynamic Security was an HP firmware update that was rolled out to devices that, in many cases, limited printing capacity without their prior knowledge, and also prevented users from using third-party ink cartridges that did not contain the company’s necessary proprietary technology.
HP has since addressed the issue by releasing a new firmware update for some of its printers.
Although the parties have agreed not to pursue legal action, the agreement does not constitute an admission of error or misconduct on the part of HP.
Consumers in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal are eligible for a settlement fee for certain HP printer models purchased between September 1, 2016 and November 17, 2020.
If you are from one of these regions, you can find out more about what you are entitled to and how to file your claims here (opens in new tab).
The legal dispute comes against the background of an attempt by HP to diversify its product offering.
According to a recent speech by HP CEO Enrique Lores, the company’s print volumes have taken a relatively big hit from the pandemic and are currently at about 80% of what it predicted before the pandemic started.
These initiatives include offering a subscription-based paper delivery service to its Instant Ink subscribers.
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