OEMs Attack Fake Cartridges on YouTube

The nine best-known printer brands are working together in Europe to warn resellers and consumers about the dangers of counterfeits.

HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Samsung, Lexmark, Xerox, Kyocera, Oki and Ricoh have produced a video and launched it on YouTube.

The Imaging Consumables Coalition of Europe, Middle East and Africa, better known as ICCE was formed in 1997 to spearhead the fight against intellectual property theft of imaging supplies.

Their video, which alleges fake products cost the global economy US$3 billion annually, shows counterfeit products with the voiceover warning fakes can release dangerous chemicals. They use news headlines from an unidentifiable news source to link the sales of counterfeit print cartridges with alleged terrorist groups. The video also includes interviews from government agencies and the professional association.

“As a legitimate reseller, it’s really important that you remain vigilant and make sure that you don’t sell counterfeit imaging supplies. Selling fake goods is a serious criminal offense and can result in prosecution,” says Michael Ellis, Head of Interpol Trafficking in Illicit Goods.

The video also advises the viewer that the OEMs have been working on upgrading their authentication methods to catch those making, selling and dealing with fake cartridges. Consumers and resellers are urged to report fake cartridges and bring those responsible to the authorities for prosecution. Counterfeiting is a jailable offense in most countries.

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