HP names another dodgy ink vendor

FLOGGER OF EXPENSIVE PRINTER INK HP has decided to widen its battle against low cost cartridges by adding an additional defendant to an ongoing lawsuit.

Joining numerous other firms in the dock will be Asia Pacific Microsystems (APM), a subsidiary of United Microlectronics Corporation (UMC), best known for its chip fabrication plants. The case revolves around what HP is claiming are 'stolen components' in cartridges sold by the firms. HP also has accused the companies of flogging cartridges that infringe its patents.

All printer manufacturers are very sensitive when it comes to consumables, as they look towards the sale of overpriced ink and toner to subsidise the cost of their printers and produce most of their profits. It's likely that HP's printer rivals are secretly hoping that this case will set a profitable precedent for them as well.

HP says the lawsuit is part of its "ongoing enforcement efforts", presumably to keep its ink prices high. µ