HP fails to derail claims that it bricks scanners on multifunction printers when ink runs low

The HP logo on Hewlett-Packard printer ink cartridges at a store in Manchester, N.H. HP Inc has failed to shunt aside claims in a lawsuit that it disables scanners and other functions on its multifunction printers whenever the ink runs low. The suit claims that HP's so-called ‘all-in-one’ printers provide consumers no indication the devices require printer ink to scan documents or send faxes. — AP

SAN FRANCISCO: HP has failed to shunt aside class-action legal claims that it disables the scanners on its multifunction printers when their ink runs low. Though not for lack of trying.

On Aug 10, a federal judge ruled that HP Inc must face a class-action lawsuit claiming that the company designs its “all-in-one” inkjet printers to disable scanning and faxing functions whenever a single printer ink cartridge runs low. The company had sought – for the second time – to dismiss the lawsuit on technical legal grounds.