Printer Warranties

Consumers are often told by printer dealers' sales or service personnel that compatible or remanufactured ink cartridges cannot be used in the consumer's printer during the warranty period. The claim is made that the use of such cartridges will "void the warranty," with the statement or implication that only the OEM cartridge may be used. This, of course, tends to cast doubt as to the quality of the replacement cartridge.

Such a claim is not true.  Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer may not require the use of any brand of cartridge (or any other article) unless the manufacturer provides the item free of charge under the terms of the warranty.

NOTE: The legal references here apply only within the United States of America; laws vary by country.