In a recent announcement, HP said that it will soon rollout an optional firmware update which will restore the capability for customers who own certain models of HP inkjet printers to use third-party cartridges.

HP said that the firmware update will be issued in about two weeks via a dedicated support forum.

The announcement of the forthcoming firmware update by HP comes against the backdrop of the company's controversial move to quietly block the use of rival printer cartridges in some models of its inkjet printers, due to 'quality' reasons.

The printers affected by HP's rival-cartridge-blocking move included the small-business OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro, and OfficeJet Pro X printers.

In announcing that an imminent optional firmware update will allow users of certain inkjet printers to use rival printer cartridges again, HP also extended an apology for its move to block the use of third-party cartridges.

In its apology for blocking ink cartridges supplied by rival companies from working with the above-mentioned HP printers, HP's chief operating officer Jon Flaxman said: "Although only a small number of customers have been affected, one customer who has a poor experience is one too many."