The OEM announced that “several companies” – including UniNet – are misleading customers by passing off clone models as genuine Oki machines.
The company announced that “has been brought to our attention that several companies in the United States and Canada are altering Oki Data Office Printers and may be misleading consumers to believe these clone printers are Oki Data Digital Transfer products. To the contrary, these clone printers are not covered by Oki Data’s warranties, not eligible for Oki Data service and will not receive firmware or driver updates from Oki Data.”
According to WhatTheyThink, Oki Data specifically named various models of UniNet printer as “unauthorised alterations” of its own products. These were: The iColor 500 and iColor 600, as well as Uprint’s UP450WT and UP850WT. Sun Angel’s 33TW/63TW/83TW were also implicated.
“Oki Data will not supply on-site service, consumables, supplies, spare parts or technical support to these printers,” the company stated. “Nor will Oki Data supply the companies that modify these printers with any of the above. Oki Data Americas will not be responsible for these printers or any performance or safety issues that may arise from using one.”
The OEM continued: “Many of these companies are using the Oki model C711 and C831 office printers as a base for their products. However, these clone devices have not been properly modified by Oki to utilise “White” toner, nor have they been optimised for the digital transfer process. Moreover, the white toner being supplied with these clone printers is not covered by Oki Data’s Material Safety Data Sheets and the potential hazards caused by the chemical toner to health, fire, reactivity and the environment.”
Oki further explained that since the implicated companies are not partners of the OEM, “and have no business relationship” with the company, “their consumers do not have access to firmware upgrades and/or drivers, which may potentially shorten the expected life of their purchase.”
All printers manufactured by Oki Data are covered with a national on-site warranty, with each printer also bearing a Model Number identification plate which identifies Oki Data Corporation as the manufacturer, as well as certifications assuring compliance with Safety and Government Agencies.
As all the clone printers identified above have reportedly been modified without authorisation from Oki Data, none of the agency certifications obtained by Oki Data, such as the FCC certification and the Underwriters Laboratory certification, apply to the clone printers.
Consumers who elect to purchase and operate the clone products should be aware of the potential consequences of using a product which has not been certified for U.S. safety standards.
Additional ways to confirm a clone printer include: Agency/Safety rating label missing; large openings without covers or panels where duplexers/fusers were installed; and the Operator panel improperly marked.
Oki states that consumers who are unsure if they have purchased a clone or are about to purchase one can verify, “by contacting Oki Data Americas, Inc. at procolor@okidata.com or by calling 972-891-3304.”
