I wonder if there is any information on the part number for the canon chip or a spec sheet for it, just to see what the handling precautions are. Untill that day arives I think I will take antistatic measures to preserve what carts I have.
Have took a look at the new HP carts on druckerchannel, The chips look very similar to canon's I see your point about the orange cover protecting the chip. I wonder if HP's chip is embedded into the case or just fits flush to the base of the cart. Never seen the new HP carts till now, looks like they copied canon for the carts and the print head.
I never understood canon's idea of sticking a cart in a plastic bag that on by the looks of it, is not antistatic.