Canon in legal trouble over disabling scanner functions when printer runs out of ink

Camera equipment and printer manufacturer for businesses and individuals, Canon is now in legal trouble. One of the users is suing the company for not allowing the customers to use the scanner or fax functions when the ink of the devices is low or runs out. The feature is active on a number of printer model. A class action lawsuit has been filed by David Leacraft against Canon USA and has alleged that the company is engaging in deceptive marketing as well as unjust enrichment practices.

Leacraft had purchased a Pixma MG2522 printer, which was advertised as an all-in-one machine. But the device would not function as a scanner when the ink cartridges were low or empty. To make things worse, even the fax capabilities would not work when some of the printers ran out of ink. Although the ink is not needed while performing the other functions of the device like scanning or faxing, the complaint has stressed that the features should function even when it runs out of ink. The lawsuit has involved more than 100 class members and has sought nearly $5,000,000 in awards.

Another alleged violation mentioned in the complaint is unjust enrichment. The lawsuit has mentioned that the company has disabled the functions to increase its profits that it gets on selling the replacement ink cartridges. The complaint has mentioned more allegations on Canon that includes that it has breached its express warranties and has also failed to disclose material information. The complainant has argued that while the company has called it as a 3-in-one or 4-in-one device that has three to four functions but the fact is that the other features other than printing, do not work when it runs out of ink.

The complainant has argued that the consumers are forced to incur expenses in the form of ink purchases or they will not be able to scan or fax the documents.

Photo Credits: Canon