Canon was sued for artificially restricting MFP functionality

David Leacraft, owner of a Canon Pixma MG6320 multifunction product (MFPs combine the functions of a printer, scanner and often a fax machine), has filed a lawsuit against Canon USA because the device stops working when the printer runs out of toner. In this case, the built-in scanner and fax machine stop working.

The agency's lawsuit says that toner is not needed to scan documents or send faxes. That is, the device must continue to perform any function other than printing documents. Plaintiff makes it clear that he would not have bought the device and paid for it if he knew he would have to refill the toner to scan documents.

Numerous users have contacted Canon with similar problems since 2016. The company's technical support has always responded that these multifunction devices must have toner cartridges installed in them in order to work properly. Moreover, even to print black and white images, all color inks must be available. Canon Technical Support explains that if all toner cartridges are not inserted, the printer may malfunction.

The lawsuit alleges that consumers were fraudulently induced to buy a product that was specifically designed to artificially and unethically introduce technological bottlenecks, such as requiring a certain toner level in order for the device to print documents and send faxes. The plaintiff alleges that Canon's advertising is misleading and deceptive to users.

According to the lawsuit, Canon is doing this solely to increase its profits by selling replacement toner cartridges. The charge is unjust enrichment. The amount of the lawsuit is $5 million.

Source: techradar

Illustration: Shutterstock