Printer Ink Politics

Issues with manufacturers and cartridges

Cartridges made by (or for) the printer manufacturers are expensive. They are also proprietary and technologically complex. Cartridges contain electronics to communicate with the printer and the printer driver (the software that enables your computer and printer to communicate). In a paper for The Society for Imaging Science and Technology, Hue Le says, "Ink chemistry and formulations not only dictate the quality of the printed image, but they also determine the drop ejection characteristics and the reliability of the printing system." Additionally, manufacturers work to match printer ink characteristics to specific papers. Simon Williams of TrustedReviews.com explains, "Most papers are built up from several different layers of material, some of which absorb ink, some prevent it [from] spreading and others maintain the gloss in a photo print."

The three-part system of printer, ink and paper hasn't been successfully cloned, according to reviewer tests. Even people who think prints with alternative inks are equal to or better than prints from OEM inks agree that the prints look different.

Printer manufacturers have been fighting aftermarket ink in several ways. HP, Canon and Epson have been filing patent infringement lawsuits all over the world. So far, they have been completely successful. Suits are resulting in settlements in which the aftermarket ink producer agrees to change or cease what it is doing. This is an indication that these companies have created products that are at least very similar to the original ink cartridges.

As independent ink manufacturers are regularly and gradually being forced to change their ink formulations, your past experience with a particular brand of aftermarket cartridge or ink may vary from your future experience. Print-Rite, a major aftermarket brand, settled with Epson. Epson prevailed against eight aftermarket ink brands in November 2006. HP settled with InkCycle in one lawsuit. In another, All Media (InkAndBeyond.com and other brands) agreed to stop patent infringement practices. InkTec, a Korean company that exports ink (InkTec and other brands) throughout the world, also conceded in response to a lawsuit. Other suits are unresolved.

If the printer manufacturers don't eliminate or greatly reduce competition through legal action, a new technology called CryptoFirewall may slam the door against competition. Cryptography Research, an independent company, is producing CryptoFirewall chips that will be available early in 2008. The chips use complex encryption technology that will read codes in OEM cartridges. If the carefully disguised codes are not detected, the printer won't print, essentially forcing consumers to buy OEM ink cartridges. However, refilled cartridges might still work.