Lexmark invokes DMCA in toner suit (News.com) [LWN.net]

News.com covers the latest fun use of the DMCA - protecting the lucrative printer cartridge market. "In a 17-page complaint filed on Dec. 30, 2002, [Lexmark] claims the Smartek chip mimics the authentication sequence used by Lexmark chips and unlawfully tricks the printer into accepting an aftermarket cartridge. That 'circumvents the technological measure that controls access to the Toner Loading Program and the Printer Engine Program,' the complaint says."

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Boycott Lexmark

Posted Jan 9, 2003 16:50 UTC (Thu) by rknop (guest, #66) [Link] (1 responses)

I don't care how good or how cheap their printers are. There are other printers. Vote with your feet and your dollars.

-Rob

Boycott Lexmark

Posted Jan 10, 2003 19:32 UTC (Fri) by coriordan (guest, #7544) [Link]

That's exactly what I thought when I saw this.

That's the end of my Lexmark purchases. (home and work)

Ciaran O'Riordan

Lexmark invokes DMCA in toner suit (News.com)

Posted Jan 9, 2003 16:52 UTC (Thu) by corbet (editor, #1) [Link]

As a postscript, Ed Felten's remarks on this case are worth a read. "Clearly, Lexmark is being creative in their interpretation of the DMCA. But their arguments are not ridiculous. The purpose of the DMCA was to ban certain types of interoperation. And the DMCA intentionally did more than just to strengthen the traditional rights of copyright holders -- it created new categories of rights. Lexmark will not be laughed out of court."

Lexmark invokes DMCA in toner suit (News.com)

Posted Jan 11, 2003 22:48 UTC (Sat) by PhoenixRevived (guest, #9040) [Link]

Scratch one printer manufacturer!
Bye, bye, Lexmark!
Darwin insists that stupidity perishes.