Canon controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
All-in-one printer scanning and faxing lawsuit
A proposed U.S. class action alleged that certain Canon all-in-one printers could disable scanning and fax functions when ink was depleted, despite being marketed as multifunction devices. The reported settlement resolved the case without Canon admitting guilt.
2021
Class-action lawsuit filed against Canon over printer functions
Lawsuit filed
David Leacraft filed a class-action lawsuit against Canon, alleging deceptive marketing and unjust enrichment over the disabling of scanning and faxing functions on multifunction printers when ink runs out. The lawsuit alleges that customers were not warned that the functions would be disabled.
Source excerpt
Someone has filed a lawsuit against printer manufacturer Canon for its underhanded policy attempting to force people to buy more ink.
The lawsuit was filed by David Leacraft and is a class action that alleges deceptive marketing and unjust enrichment by Canon.
The lawsuit also claims there was no warning on the packaging, stating that functions of the printer would be disabled when one of its ink cartridges was empty.
2020
Canon investigates possible ransomware attack
Issue disclosure
Canon stated that it was investigating a possible ransomware attack after more than 20 of its domains, including its main US site, were affected or down. Attackers reportedly claimed to have stolen data. Canon had not confirmed the ransomware attempt.
Canon said it was investigating a possible ransomware attack after more than 20 of its domains, including its main US site, were affected or down. Attackers reportedly claimed to have stolen data; Canon had not confirmed the ransomware attempt.
Company response
Investigation — Canon
Canon hasn't confirmed the ransomware attempt, saying in a statement that it's "currently investigating the situation."
Source excerpt
Canon hasn't confirmed the ransomware attempt, saying in a statement that it's "currently investigating the situation."
Canon might also be victim to a ransomware attack, according to . More than 20 Canon domains, including its main US site, are affected or down, and attackers may have stolen up to 10TB of data.
Bleeping Computer obtained a partial screenshot of the purported ransom note sent to Canon, and said that Maze confirmed that it had stolen "10 terabytes of data, private databases, etc." as part of the attack.
2020
Canon sues Ninestar over toner cartridge patents
Lawsuit filed
Canon filed a complaint against Ninestar Technology Company and related entities in the Central District of California, alleging infringement of patents related to toner cartridges. The filing states that the accused conduct would cause injury and damage to Canon. The allegations are presented as claims in the complaint and are not described as a determination by the court.
Source excerpt
Canon, whose products include printers, copy machines, and cameras, filed a complaint against Ninestar Technology Company, Ltd., and related entities on Wednesday in the Central District of California for patent infringement claiming that the defendants infringed Canon’s patents-in-suit, which are related to toner cartridges for its printers.
According to Canon, the exemplary NHCE310A toner cartridge is also an “an image forming apparatus cartridge” with a casing, a developer in the casing, and the “toner cartridge has a developing roller having an axis L1,”
2020
Canon confirms ransomware attack and service outages
Issue disclosure
An internal employee communique confirmed that Canon had been hit by a ransomware attack, causing outages across its main US website, email, collaboration platforms and other internal systems. The Maze group claimed it extracted data; that claim is not independently established in the report.
Source excerpt
Yesterday, initial suspicions that the company had been targeted by a cyberattack arose, however, they were confirmed earlier today by an internal employee communique admitting to the incident.
According to a note released to employees of the consumer electronics giant Canon, the company has been hit by a ransomware attack that has caused outages across its main US website, email, collaboration platforms, and other internal systems.
2020
Third-party company alleges Canon used video ad concepts without authorization
Issue disclosure
Beijing Youyou Zhenghao Culture Media alleged that videos on Canon China's website and official WeChat account used creative concepts it had provided for an EOS R5/R6 promotional project. The allegation is reported; the source does not establish a legal determination.
Source excerpt
2020年9月，我司发现佳能（中国）官网及官微上，上线使用了标题为《鸟眼对焦，让你无处可逃》、《20张/秒高速连拍，给你更多精彩》、《机身镜头双防抖，稳到不可思议》三支视频。
在佳能最终选定三个创意方案中，一支完全来自我司提供的创意，一支为我司提供创意之变形。