A class action lawsuit has been filed against Canon USA alleging the company engaged in deceptive marketing and unjust enrichment practices.
David Leacraft filed the lawsuit after discovering that a Pixma MG2522 printer he purchased would not work as a scanner or fax machine when the ink cartridges were low or empty. The complaint alleged that these features should function regardless of ink levels because ink is not needed to scan or fax. The complaint suggests that Canon has disabled these functions to increase profits by forcing the customer to buy replacement ink cartridges even when he doesn’t really need them. It also alleged that Canon breached its express warranties and failed to disclose material information under New York General Business Law § 349 and 350.
Sure, what does ink have to do with digital scanning and faxing? But Canon gave the excuse that it was meant to protect the printer. Are you convinced?
Compulsory Medisave Contributions For Self-Employed
Coming back to Singapore and in a related yet unrelated issue to this Canon fiasco, is the compulsory Medisave contribution by self-employed people. If you earn $3,000 a month ($36,000 a year) you have to contribute between 8.0% and 10.5% to your MediSave Account, depending on your age. This amounts to $2,880 to $3,780. If you earn $6,000 a month ($72,000 a year) or more, you will only have to contribute up to the maximum amount.
Of course, since you are your own employer, your Medisave contributions are all out-of-pocket money – money forced out of your pocket. If you don’t pay, you can’t renew your business licence. See the connection with the Canon replacement ink and the scanning/faxing function? Different places, different rules, same intentions but at least Canon has to defend itself in court.