EU's Monti could launch antitrust probe against computer printer cartridge
makers
BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 15, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Companies like
Hewlett Packard, and other makers of computer printers could face an EU probe
following complaints by consumers that they were being overcharged for ink
cartridges, the European Union's top antitrust official, Mario Monti said
Wednesday.
"We intend to examine this in detail," Monti told reporters, after a meeting
with U.S. antitrust chief Charles James.
Monti, however, did not identify any of the companies likely to come under an
investigation. He said the sector was "relatively concentrated," and said he
thought both EU and American regulators would conduct probes.
Ink cartridge makers such as Lexmark International, Hewlett-Packard, Canon, and
Seiko Corp. unit Epson who also make printers, make most of their profits by
selling the disposable cartridges at high prices, after selling the printers at
bottom rates.
Consumers are usually forced to buy the cartridges sold with the printers, as
other brands often do not work with other manufacturer's printers.
EU spokeswoman Amelia Torres said consumers groups had complained about the
unfair high prices of the cartridges.
"When you're talking about products so close to consumers you have a duty to
remain vigilant," Torres said.
The European Commission can fine violators of EU antitrust rules as much as 10
percent of their sales.
James declined to comment if a similar U.S. probe was planned, saying only such
an investigation would fall under the authority of the U.S. Federal Trade
Commission.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press, All rights reserved
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