A copy-forgery-inhibited (CFI) pattern image is effectively printed irrespective of difference in information of (CFI) pattern setting between a host unit and a printing apparatus in relation to printing of a (CFI) pattern image. A (CFI) pattern image, for example, “COPY INHIBIT” is set on the printer side while a (CFI) pattern image “COPY” is set under a printing instruction delivered from a host PC. If determination is resulted in inconsistency between strings, indication for asking the user which (CFI) pattern image is given preference to be displayed on an UI screen of the printer. Further, similar indication is displayed on the host PC side. Thus, it is possible to render the user to determine whether the setting of a (CFI) pattern image on the host PC side is given preference to or the setting on the printer side is given preference to.