HP fined 1.4 billion rupees for “cartelization” of ink cartridges, toner, PCs
Summary
Ars Technica reports that HP India and its channel partners were fined 1.4 billion rupees by India's Competition Commission for cartelization in the sale of computers, ink cartridges, and toner. The regulator found bid-rigging and collusive practices across government contracts, including price fixing and restricted reseller participation, with additional penalties on resellers. HP India contested the characterization of HP as the kingpin, while the report notes WhatsApp evidence of collusive activity between HP and Tier-2 resellers from 2017–2020.