Here is a copy of a letter I sent to the California Department of Justice asking for a class action suit against Epson. If anyone is interested, they might to the same in their own state.
Burt Wilson
Attorney General’s Office
California Department of Justice
Attn: Public Inquiry Unit P.O.
Box 944255
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
RE: CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST EPSON USA
In 2006, Epson USA settled a class action suit against them because their ink cartridges were not empty when the computer screen–an Epson program–said they were. Rebates of $40 were issued to qualified users.
Now it’s time to go after them again!
Epson recently came out with the “Aritsan” series of ink jet computers and at least for this particular brand (I own an Artisan 700 “all-in-one” ink jet printer, bought in March of this year) they have engineered a microchip in their cartridges that prevents an owner from buying ink from anyone except EPSON USA–or their sole outlet in Illinois!
In my case, I went to print a black & white job and the printer said I needed to replace my cyan cartridge. The thing is: the printer shut down from printing anything until a cyan cartridge was purchased and installed. I couldn’t even print my black & white job and it was important. I had to go find another computer and printer to do it! All printing was shut down completely until I bought a new ink cartridge from them.
I’m sure you will agree this is not right. They are holding printer owners hostage for ink sales. We cannot go to a refill place and get cheaper ink. We cannot even get it as Costco, Staples, Frys or anywhere else. We are forced to order it by mail from Epson USA.
When Ford sells a car, it recommends that the owner use genuine Ford parts, but the owner has the freedom to go anywhere in the aftermarket to get it cheaper. That’s the American way of life!
Epson is controlling the entire aftermarket. If they are allowed to do this, the rest of the printer industry will follow suit. The consumer will lose his freedom of choice in the aftermarket.
Please investigate this and start a class-action suit against EPSON USA. I will be happy to participate as the plaintiff.
Burt Wilson
Attorney General’s Office
California Department of Justice
Attn: Public Inquiry Unit P.O.
Box 944255
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
RE: CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST EPSON USA
In 2006, Epson USA settled a class action suit against them because their ink cartridges were not empty when the computer screen–an Epson program–said they were. Rebates of $40 were issued to qualified users.
Now it’s time to go after them again!
Epson recently came out with the “Aritsan” series of ink jet computers and at least for this particular brand (I own an Artisan 700 “all-in-one” ink jet printer, bought in March of this year) they have engineered a microchip in their cartridges that prevents an owner from buying ink from anyone except EPSON USA–or their sole outlet in Illinois!
In my case, I went to print a black & white job and the printer said I needed to replace my cyan cartridge. The thing is: the printer shut down from printing anything until a cyan cartridge was purchased and installed. I couldn’t even print my black & white job and it was important. I had to go find another computer and printer to do it! All printing was shut down completely until I bought a new ink cartridge from them.
I’m sure you will agree this is not right. They are holding printer owners hostage for ink sales. We cannot go to a refill place and get cheaper ink. We cannot even get it as Costco, Staples, Frys or anywhere else. We are forced to order it by mail from Epson USA.
When Ford sells a car, it recommends that the owner use genuine Ford parts, but the owner has the freedom to go anywhere in the aftermarket to get it cheaper. That’s the American way of life!
Epson is controlling the entire aftermarket. If they are allowed to do this, the rest of the printer industry will follow suit. The consumer will lose his freedom of choice in the aftermarket.
Please investigate this and start a class-action suit against EPSON USA. I will be happy to participate as the plaintiff.