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One
of the unfortunate consequences of finding some success in product
design is having to deal with knockoffs. While there are many good
companies out there who respect and properly license original design,
there are many others who don't know better,
or worse, couldn't care less.
While patents provide some protection from these sorts of individuals
and companies, it's not a perfect system. Delays in the patenting
process can give a window to unscrupulous or oblivious companies to
sneak in and start selling knockoffs without immediate repercussions.
Even when a patent issues, legal fees can make infringement
prosecution a daunting proposition.
Despite these adversities, we still pursue utility patents when
appropriate. We currently have a patent pending on unique
functional aspects of the Silicone Travel Bottle design, and when the
patent issues, we will do everything in our power to shut down those
companies who are knowingly selling or manufacturing knockoffs.
The world needs fewer of these parasitic companies and
the individuals who run them.
In the meantime, your purchase is your vote - when you have a choice,
please support designers and companies who properly license design. By
doing this, you help designers invest in creating interesting new
products and ensure that fresh
designs remain in the pipeline. When you buy a knockoff, you may save a
few bucks, but you're supporting companies who suck the life out of the
design cycle, which leads to a world of cheap, unimaginative design.
And who wants to live in a world like that? |
