Printer manufacturers have been putting chips in printer consumables since the mid-1990s. They claim to use chip technology in their imaging supplies to provide customers with additional features and benefits. The aftermarket industry claims that these chips lock out third-party brands from competing in a market that they feel entitled to participate in. In addition, they believe that printer manufacturers’ actions are monopolistic and prevent consumers from making a choice.

“As with any issue, there are two sides, and both sides firmly believe that what they are doing is right,” commented John Shane, Director at CAP Ventures. “In any case, the smart chip issue will differentiate aftermarket suppliers as either haves or have-nots. Not all aftermarket suppliers will have the ability to acquire or invest in smart chip technology. This trend could create significant changes in the makeup of the remanufacturing industry.” 

CAP Ventures’ white paper entitledA Global View of Smart Chips for Printers provides in-depth details on the smart chip industry. The report profiles the major printer manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers, and chip manufacturers. It provides a review of the current legal entanglements and outcomes, as well as the federal government’s role. The report is accompanied by three indexes that list company and product information for printer manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers.