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GuitarAddict wrote:scottran wrote:
Say you were self employed and you created a product and called it a widgit. You spent thousands of dollars on research and development and use only the finest materials to make your product. You have built a reputation for having a quality product that is in demand. Then comes along some schmo that just goes out and buys one of your widgits. He just makes a copy of it,(no money spent on r&d). Uses inferior materials and calls it a widgedt. He sells it for a lower price and cuts into your earnings. Do you think you may be a little pissed off??
Do you think a company that makes and sells $6000 watches is really losing sales because I buy an inferior quality watch for a fraction of his price?
It's a different a story if the copy uses his branding and/or uses proprietary processes and/or designs.
As a collector of many things and a business man I am talking products in general. I also collect antique tractors, mainly John Deere. JD still holds the rights to many of their products, even ones 80 years old. Companies are only allowed to sell JD oficially licensed products. If not, Deere will have their lawyers on you so fast your head will spin. It protects JD's name and it also protects me as a collector.
I have no problems with homage watches as they arent completely replicating the original. I would be embarrassed to wear a Fauxlex.
The Cobra thing is a good question also. I dont know what to say about it. I am considering building one once the economy gets better. Up until recently I would have said no problem with the replicas because they werent building 65 Shelby Cobras anymore. But, now Shelby is making them again. One just sold at BJ in Vegas in oct. Not as valuable as an original but still a Shelby. I saw many "clones" of different cars sell at Barret Jackson and some brought decent money. I think it is becoming an acceptable practice to do this as long as you are on the up and up about the lineage of the car in the car hobby. ;)
In my mind, there are two deciding criteria:
1. Is intellectual property being stolen?
2. Is there an intent to deceive?
Let's use Panerai and Precista as an example because that's really what I'm talking about.
1. Is it an issue of the design or manufacture being stolen? I don't think so (Thank God for generic medicine or I would have gone bankrupt a long time ago).
2. Does the "homage" watch list deceitful branding? No.
Therefore, I personally have no problem purchasing and wearing a Precista "homage" I do worry about some guy seeing it and taking umbrage and creating a fuss which I wouldn't take well.
Speaking of Barrett-Jackson. I'm attending in January for the first time. Really looking forward to it.
Peace
Chris