HP’s new online mobile authentication technology will help curb the increased imitations of its Inkjet and Laser Jet toner cartridges, the technology juggernaut says.
The remark comes following the rise of counterfeit electronic products in the ICT industry globally.
The new HP technology features sophisticated holographic properties and a quick response (QR) code, to protect customers from purchasing counterfeits and compromised print quality cartridges.
The app has the ability to validate whether the cartridge installed is a brand new original HP LaserJet cartridge or not. If the cartridge is non-genuine, customers receive a message advising them on the next step to take.
For HP customers who own smartphones, they simply run their phones over the Quick Response code for an update on the products validation, it is also possible to check via an HP webpage.
The same can be applied to validate the authenticity of laser cartridges by using the HP Software Authentication technology.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Nigeria Rita Amuchienwa of HP said the company always aims to be a step ahead of counterfeiters through redesigning or repackaging their product, adding that they will stop at nothing to ensure the eradication process is completely effective.
According to a research on HP by Forrester, she said, Nigeria is one the most affected countries where customers have either been offered or have unwillingly purchased counterfeit cartridges.
She added that to them, counterfeit for HP Is when people refill their cartridges with other products, or use HP logo on the same products to confuse customers.
The new software is geared towards the protection of HP products together with its brand name, not forgetting their clients’ hard earned money, she expressed.
HP East and West Africa’s marketing and trade marketing manager Tolulope Lawani explained that through their new counterfeiting program, HP is able to educate its customers and partners to be aware of fake printing supplies.
Lawani said they are working closely with both local and international law enforcement authorities to detect and destroy production of counterfeit HP printing components.
The software is free and available on the Web.
