HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts

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HP is widely recognized for applying digital rights management (DRM) measures to its consumer inkjet and laser printers, systematically blocking the use of third-party cartridges via firmware “dynamic security” updates. These updates have repeatedly disabled printers for users attempting to use non-HP branded consumables, and in some cases, even affected official HP cartridges after updates. Numerous class-action lawsuits have been filed against HP in multiple countries, and firmware updates continue to prompt large-scale consumer complaints, with users reporting unexpected cartridge rejections and device lockouts.

> HP printers may block third-party cartridges via firmware “dynamic security,” causing systemic disruptions for consumers and prompting legal and media scrutiny.

HP's implementation of DRM restricting third-party ink cartridge use started in 2016. In that year, HP pushed a controversial firmware update that introduced "dynamic security" measures designed to block non-HP cartridges, causing widespread printer lockouts and cartridge rejections. This update was initially rolled out quietly and activated later, sparking public outcry, campaigns by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and media coverage describing it as a DRM "time bomb." HP responded with optional firmware to disable these restrictions but continued to use DRM measures going forward.

Key verifiable sources include:

• [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997) and [Techdirt](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/09/20/hp-launched-delayed-drm-time-bomb-to-disable-competing-printer-cartridges/) articles tracing the DRM start and ensuing backlash beginning in 2016
• [Wired](https://www.wired.com/2016/09/hp-printer-drm/) reporting on HP's promise to release an optional firmware update to remove DRM in late 2016

In summary, HP began systematically locking printers to OEM cartridges with DRM firmware updates starting in 2016, a practice that continues to evolve but originated in that year.

References

1. [Tom's Hardware: EFF Requests HP Remove DRM](https://www.tomshardware.com/news/hp-drm-fiasco-eff-requests,32796.html)

2. [Cartridge World: How to Bypass HP Printer Cartridge Error](https://cartridgeworldusa.com/blog/how-to-bypass-hp-printer-cartridge-error)

3. [TechCrunch: The EFF Calls on HP to Remove DRM from Its Printers](https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/27/the-eff-calls-on-hp-to-remove-drm-from-its-printers/)

4. [Techdirt: HP Issues Flimsy Mea Culpa for Printer Cartridge DRM Idiocy](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/10/04/hp-issues-flimsy-mea-culpa-recent-printer-cartridge-drm-idiocy-not-enough/)

5. [Wired: HP Printer DRM](https://www.wired.com/2016/09/hp-printer-drm/)

6. [Ars Technica: HP's DRM Sabotages Off-Brand Printer Ink Cartridges](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/hps-drm-sabotages-off-brand-printer-ink-cartridges-with-self-destruct-date/)

7. [BetaNews: HP Printer Cartridge DRM](https://betanews.com/2016/09/28/hp-printer-cartridge-drm/)

8. [Techdirt: HP Launched Delayed DRM Time Bomb to Disable Competing Printer Cartridges](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/09/20/hp-launched-delayed-drm-time-bomb-to-disable-competing-printer-cartridges/)

9. [Reddit: The Worst Timeline - A Printer Company Is Putting](https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/stkhb7/the_worst_timeline_a_printer_company_is_putting/)

10. [Gizmodo: HP Printers Update Block Third-Party Ink](https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997)