Speaking of knockoffs

[imschur]

I recently stumbled across a website that was not only selling knock off optics but clones of just about every expensive part for an AR-15. Everything they sold looked authentic right down to logo's and part numbers.

Their were clones of but not limited to the following:

Optics

Acogs

EOtechs

Elcans

Handguards and Rails:

Daniel Defense

MI

ARMS

KAC

Troy

Foregrips

Magpul

VLTOR

Tango Down

Sights

ARMS

Troy GG&G

Mounts

Larue

Now this actually bothers me quite a bit. I dont mind  the clones when its obvious they arent originals but when the parts wear copyrighted trademarks and manufacturers parts numbers that is wrong, dishonest and illegal.

I did a little searching and talking to some of the manufacturers who's products are represented. These parts do make it to firearms that are sold as having the genuine product as well as the parts are being sold and traded as the actual product. After all if you had never owned or touched some of these products how would you know if it was authentic? Maybe after a while the screws strip or things bend and break. Who is the unknowing owner going to be angry with? The brand thats listed on the part thats who...

I did contact a few of the named manufacturers and they are aware of these clones and are working on stopping it, but it's difficult.

ARMS, Troy and Larue all have had lawsuits over the past two years for the use of specific numbers and product characteristics. Resolutions were decided by a court as it should be. Yet this knock off company based outside of the US can sell these parts in the US unchecked to American shooters.

One manufacturer suggested contacting them before you buy one of their products from a non authorized seller or individual so they can tell you what to look for.

Would you trust your credit card info with these people?

[asmurff]

You last line was the most important "Would you trust your credit card info with these people?" and the answer is no!

Knock-offs of clothing, bags and shoes were wrong enough, not to mention as you said illegal. However, knock-offs of firearm accessories is down right scary to me especially when you might not even know it is a knock-off.

When I was stationed in Asia knock-offs were very common, but there was always something to identify them as knock-offs ie "Members One" jackets instead of "Members Only", "Adadas" bags and shoes instead of Adidas. Now it looks like they've moved beyond caring about Trademarks or Copyrights completely.

[rodent.22]

The United States is an Open Market- No intervention unless by lawsuit. The Congress cares only about the generation of money, with their hands in it. If you have a copyrighted product, or a patented product its up to YOU to defend it. The people making the knockoffs and the courts are the ONLY people making money on infringments. Sad but true. What part of the economy that hasn't been sold out and shipped off is being STOLEN due to total inaction on the government's part. And it's not a Republican/Democrat thing- it's a total lack of regard for the country's interests by those put in place to do so....

[Longitude Zero]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery????  Copyright holders have no choice but to go after these pukes.  If they do not it dilutes their future claims.  Knockoffs are IMHO a fraud and I will not deal with them.