HP printer owners who were forced to use non-HP ink and toner cartridges in Europewill receive compensation from the supplier for failing to adequately inform them about the limitations of the devices they purchased.
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The problem stems from the introduction of a system called "Dynamic Security," which HP promoted in printers as a way to upgrade the user experience and maintain the integrity of printing systems.
The problem with Dynamic Security was that it made it impossible to use other ink cartridges, sold by third-party suppliers that did not have an HP chip or electronic circuitry, with the printers.
Therefore, customers who purchased a printer with the security system enabled or applied the firmware update that introduced Dynamic Security essentially downgraded the printing capabilities of their devices without knowing it.
HP responded to the outcry by releasing a new firmware upgrade that removed the Dynamic Security feature from many models affected by the problem.
However, in the meantime, printer owners had suffered extensive downtime and additional costs, so many sought legal action, with Euroconsumers, an EU consumer rights organization, leading the effort atPrinterGateEuropean branches.
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In the USA, HP reached a settlement agreement recently for a total amount of $1,500,000 and up to $150 per claimant.
Euroconsumers announced last week that it also reached an agreement whereby HP will compensate printer owners affected by the Dynamic Security system.
The settlement agreement is not an admission of any wrongdoing by HP or by consumers who make unfounded allegations, the statement emphasizes.
However, it is important to note that the settlement resulted in lower compensations than the original target.
The settlement compensation will be made available to consumers in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal, but more European countries may follow in the future.
Beneficiaries must own an HP OfficeJet Pro or PageWide Pro series printer between September 1, 2016 and November 17, 2022 , with specific model numbers listed in this document .
Eligible holders can complete the claim form until March 6, 2023, on the dedicated national portals (Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal).
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Depending on the printer model used, consumers will receive a one‑off compensation from €20 to €50. Additionally, an extra €45 will be given to those who provide evidence of specific damages beyond the settlement compensation amount.
