Let me start off by saying I didnt intend to start a big discussion. In hindsight I could have worded my comment in a much better way to convey my point. (I should know better than to forum when Im two beers in at night!)
It would probably help to understand that I am an architect. As a result I place a high value on the act of design and the innovation that goes into it. So, patent or no patent, I believe in the intrinsic value of that design and will tend to pay (more) for that good design. I make no judgments against those of you who buy legal evolutions of design. Including someone who figured out how to make it cheaper. I also have no interest in telling you your viewpoint is not good. (This is what I think I could have worded better, because I clearly was trying to convince you all of something in my first post!)
That's a crazy statement. If that were the case there would only be one of everything in this world. Everyone would be driving a ford. There would only be one television and so on and so for infinity....The world would be an awfully boring place ruled by monopolies.
There is a big difference between evolution and advancement and just figuring out how to make it cheaper ($) and cheaper (quality). I believe that really great design has tangible benefits for the end user. I often see copy cat items that give between 50%-80% of the value of the original item. There is a whole rabbit hole to go down there about the value of being less expensive
.which is a real and important thing
vs the value of improving and evolving an idea into something that is truly better than the original. I make no judgements for any of you about how you choose to see that. I make those choices differently all the time. Sometimes cheap, sometimes quality. For me it depends on the circumstances.
Good point but lets look at the other side of that arguement,
Do you drive a ford? do you only own or use xerox brand printers and copiers and kodak cameras? does everyone here only buy stout brand kettles with TC ports and camco brand heating elements? If not your rewarding a copycat company right? How about generic prescription drugs. Point here is everyone copies and improves on or makes cheaper versions of everything in all types of industry. Its called capitalism and its what makes the industry competitive... Without companies could charge whatever they wanted for anything. if another company can make a reasonable copy of this device for $5 then shame on thermapen for overcharging is how I see it.. They already made their millions off it.
Im eating a knockoff brand of cheerios now as I type this. By the way I've brewed clones or knockoffs of my favorite brand name beers too
I am very much a capitalist. I believe in a strong competitive free market. But, sometimes cheaper means things like abusive practices to workers or lack of protection of intellectual property. The free market is a great concept, but if you do not have equitable conditions for the free market then you dont have a free market at all. This was part of why I stuck my neck out at all. Im not against someone taking a great idea and making it greater, but creating a poor version of a copy and selling it cheap based on cheap labor and lax laws isnt something I like to reward. It quite frankly just lowers the bar for the rest of the world. Why do you think we dont manufacture much in America anymore? It was millions of people making the decision to but that thing cheaper and cheaper. Im not holier than thou however. I go cheap on many occasions, but not all.
also...I DO judge you for eating cheerios, especially generic ones!
Broad brushstrokes there.
How do you know the Chinese knockoff has infringed on any of Thermoworks' patents? The scope of Thermoworks' claimed invention (i.e., the claims) may have nothing to do with appearance or overall functionality. Quite often, the point of novelty of a product lies in a component, modification or subsystem. It's not terribly hard for someone to design around that patented technology and still end up with a product that is very similar in form and function.
Also, how do you know the relevant patent(s) haven't expired? Thermopens have been around a long time. It's quite likely much of the patented technology has moved into the public domain.
And if there is an infringement, I will guarantee that Thermoworks will act on it. It's not difficult to get an order seizing a shipment once it hits US Customs.
I'm not necessarily defending the knockoffs. And I'm not saying true infringement doesn't happen--it does. But if you are outraged by this, you are in for a frustrated buying experience whenever you want to buy a lot of things in the marketplace. The Chinese are skilled imitators, but the ones who want to stay in business know better than to violate US or international IP laws.
I dont think you quite understand how China works. Lots happens there that we would shake our heads at. But I will be the first to admit that I am no expert. I spent 2 months there a long time ago. So I base my half assed understanding a lot on that.
I dont work for Thermoworks. Its up to them to defend their design work. I was only trying to make a statement about a good design and how that little bit extra in a quality instrument like this can be worth the $.
Peace out! :fro:
