French prosecutors investigating Seiko Epson

January 2, 2018

Paris- French public prosecutors launched in November a preliminary investigation into major Japanese printer manufacturer Seiko Epson Corp. on suspicion of fraud, French media reported Thursday.

The company was allegedly involved in planned obsolescence, or the practice of deliberately shortening the lifespan of its products with the aim of creating replacement demand.

Seiko Epson is suspected of tampering with its devices in a way to make users replace ink cartridges more frequently than necessary.

The French unit of Seiko Epson told French daily Le Monde that the company has nothing to hide and will cooperate with the probe.

The suspicion came to light after a private organization filed complaints over the matter in September against companies, including Seiko Epson and Japanese rival Canon Inc. <7751>.

In France, a law against planned obsolescence was enacted in 2015. Penalties include fines and a prison term of up to two years.

Seiko Epson may become the first company to face charges under the law, the French media said. Jiji Press