Dymo Figures Out How to Add DRM to Printer Paper

[Tsing]

Image: Dymo



The seemingly simplistic world of label printing has actually gotten a bit more complex and more expensive courtesy of Dymo Corporation, the printing giant that’s best known for its arsenal of handheld label printers, tapes, and other labeling solutions.



As reported by the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Cory Doctorow, Dymo has figured out how to force its users into using its premium-priced labels rather than a competitor’s by introducing RFID chips into some of their latest printers, an addition that allows them to distinguish whether the device has been loaded with official or third-party labels . Echoing Doctorow’s headline, this effectively amounts to putting DRM into paper, a scary thought considering the industry, one that hasn’t been shy of maximizing profits via pricey ink cartridges and other consumables.



Dymo’s labels retail for about $10 to $15...

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[Brian_B]

Oh thank god, lord knows how I've always been plagued by counterfeit receipt paper and labels.

 

[Dogsofjune]

We should send Walter Brown some flowers.....

 

[David_Schroth]

Got a 500 series dymo for my dad, ran into this problem, returned it. Purchased a used 400 series and he's back in business.

The 500 series also requires use of their new software which is a steaming pile that removes a lot of functionality from the 10 year old software they've had.

 

[Grimlakin]

Got a 500 series dymo for my dad, ran into this problem, returned it. Purchased a used 400 series and he's back in business.

The 500 series also requires use of their new software which is a steaming pile that removes a lot of functionality from the 10 year old software they've had.

It's so they can release more secure versions of old software... ok that's bullshit, it's so in two iterations they can offer the old features on a subscription model as new.