Is insulting inanimate objects, such as saying "this pen is a failure," considered backbiting, and is the insult attributed to its maker?

Dispraising inanimate objects, such as a "failed pen," is not backbiting unless the speaker intends to disparage its owner. In that case, it would be backbiting. The definition of backbiting is mentioning your brother with something he dislikes, were it to reach him, such as a defect in his body, lineage, character, actions, speech, religion, worldly affairs, or even his clothes, dwelling, or mount. Backbiting may be permissible for the purpose of warning people about poor quality or counterfeit products, provided that the warning cannot be achieved except by mentioning the manufacturer.