The virus thing is bullshit, but inkjet cartridges usually have chips in them because the print head requires a digital controller. They aren't generally just a container of ink.
Now, using the need for a controller to add anti-consumer lockouts? That's what we call malware.
By far most ink cartridges come without heads. The heads are mounted in the printer itself. Even if the head is on the cartridge the controller can still be in the printer.