I bought a Lexmark printer/scanner/fax/copier today and, on my way out of the store, noticed a legal disclaimer printed on the top flap of the box. I didn't bother reading it at the time, but once I got it home it piqued my curiosity so I decided to take a gander.
I can not believe what I read. I wouldn't believe it if someone told me this, so I took a picture of it. It may seem trivial, but essentially Lexmark is dictating how I am to use the cartridges inside.
The text reads:
See image:Important! Please read before opening:
Opening this package, installing the printing device software, or using the print cartridge(s) inside, confirms your acceptance of the following license/agreement: The patented print cartridge(s) contained inside is/are licensed for a single use only and is/are designed to stop working after delivering a fixed amount of ink. A variable amount of ink will remain in the cartridge when replacement is required. After this single use, the license to use the print cartridge terminates, and the used cartridge must be returned only to Lexmark for remanufacturing, refilling, or recycling. If you buy another cartridge in the future that is sold subject to the above terms, you accept such terms as to that cartridge. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THE TERMS OF THIS SINGLE USE LICENSE/AGREEMENT DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. A replacement cartridge sold without these terms is available through www.lexmark.com.
» Click image for larger version
So what I'm reading from this is:
+ I can't refill the cartridges through one of those in-home or storefront cartridge refill centres.
+ I can not throw the cartridge out once it has run out of ink.
+ The cartridge never actually runs out of ink, it simply stops dispensing it at a preset interval.
+ I MUST return the cartridge to Lexmark after I am done using the product that I purchased.
I am simply baffled that by this nonsensical legalese printed in small print on the top of the printer box. I haven't actually unpacked the printer yet, so I may go and return the damn thing out of spite. I feel that they do not have the right to dictate to me how I use a printer and/or cartridges that I have purchased from them. I am not leasing this printer, nor the cartridges inside, but rather have purchased it out right. If I want to burn the cartridges after they are "empty" I should be free to do so.
</rant>
EDIT: Is this a new standard thing with printers? I never noticed this when I bought my last printer.