[Sgt_Schultze]

Seems to me that you could avoid registering the warranty and remain anonymous.

[RedCell]

Seems to me that you could avoid registering the warranty and remain anonymous.

Don't you ever watch Law & Order (the original)? Those guys could track down who bought the bubble gum stuck to the bottom of a desk... without DNA testing. I'm sure the same thing would apply with a piece of hardware [tinfoil hat on].

[dead]

Seems to me that you could avoid registering the warranty and remain anonymous.

Even the government can't be stupid enough to believe that counterfeiters are going to fill out the warranty card on their printers.

I would imagine this is an aid in proving guilt after the perpetrator is caught.

[kpp_kpp]

not entirely, reading the article it seems that part of the purpose is just to match things printed by the same printer. then looking at the contents of what was printed be able to better identify or assemble a profile.

[Orbiter]

..or steal one, or buy one on the black market, or buy a used one, or use someone else's...

[Smittie]

Seems to me that you could avoid registering the warranty and remain anonymous.

That's what I was thinking, plus avoid rebate forms and pay cash - how would they know who it was?

[Steve0113]

Seems to me that you could avoid registering the warranty and remain anonymous.

The serial number is recorded at the time of sale - you can't avoid that. You have to identify yourself in order to obtain the warranty. To remain anonymous, you'd have to pay cash and lie about your identity. Tell them your name is Mapes (or Rather).