Serious goggles thread

What else is new? China has been stealing designs from companies across the world (Cars, goggles, etc) for years. Its nothing new. They are definitely making money off people who don't know what they are doing aka most of the casual ski community outside of NS. Is what it is. IG won't stop because its ad revenue. 5 day a year skiers won't care cause its cheap gear.

I know a guy who got goggles offered through his work's employees union (it's a big company and they go on ski trips every year) and they are exact copies of my Anon M2. Same magnet system, same shape, same lens. Just different colors (his are purple, because it's the company's colors). Most probably made in the same factory, but rebranded.

And thats all? Just “okay” ?

We can like it or not, but that is how it is. You can see cheap knock-offs from China everywhere. Electronics, cloths, food, cars, shoes, etc.
It has always been like this.
And ofcourse they will find customers. For someone who goes once a year skiing, it is attractive to buy goggles for 15$ instead of even some low-end 50$.
Can't do anything, only to support your favourite original brand.
Also keep in mind that winter sports (Ski,Snb) are really expensive, just look at one day ticket, or the gear you need...for even middle class it is alot so they are more than happy to save on things like goggles

**This post was edited on Feb 4th 2018 at 11:49:24am

Legally no, it's trademark and IP theft in every sense. The Chinese government, being the responsible party for shutting the replica business down, are the only ones who can really make a difference (eBay etc. shutting down sellers can only do so much). The only problem for them is that replica/similar items make up a fair chunk of their export GDP, and enforcing counterfeit restrictions would mean a large number of store and factory closures, and large revenue losses. Basically, they should be getting shut down, but nobody, other than the official companies, are going to do anything about it.

I think the real question here isn't whether China is stealing designs, or rather, are companies just using Chinese factory designs? In example, I can call up a factory in China, and they will send me a full catalog of available goggle molds that I can throw my Logo on, This is affordable, fast and easy. For me to design a fully new goggle can be very expensive. With unknown costs depending on the severity of the project for designers and engineers, and then the guaranteed cost of 15,000USD to 20,000USD that it will cost just to build the mold. Making your own goggle isn't easy.

stormtrooperI think the real question here isn't whether China is stealing designs, or rather, are companies just using Chinese factory designs? In example, I can call up a factory in China, and they will send me a full catalog of available goggle molds that I can throw my Logo on, This is affordable, fast and easy. For me to design a fully new goggle can be very expensive. With unknown costs depending on the severity of the project for designers and engineers, and then the guaranteed cost of 15,000USD to 20,000USD that it will cost just to build the mold. Making your own goggle isn't easy.

It seems to me original brands like Oakley , dragon or electric made their own molds and design , invested money , and created a Product. But all those replicas - did nothing. They are sellin same goggles shapes with cheap crapy straps and logos ( even non professional ) . But maybe I’m wrong?

1. How did those goggle molds got into fake pusher’s hands? Any thought?

2. Why nobody ( especially in USA, which is the most law-copyrights-progressive country now ) gives a f#ck about such dirty “business” and not tryin to regulate it in legal and conscientious way?

3. Are there any difference in material , lenses between replicas and original goggles?...

I contacted dragonalliance , electric , even burton with this question two week ago , and got no respond at all.

spintricks1. How did those goggle molds got into fake pusher’s hands? Any thought?

2. Why nobody ( especially in USA, which is the most law-copyrights-progressive country now ) gives a f#ck about such dirty “business” and not tryin to regulate it in legal and conscientious way?

3. Are there any difference in material , lenses between replicas and original goggles?...

I contacted dragonalliance , electric , even burton with this question two week ago , and got no respond at all.

1: Often the molds, production equipment remain in the factory that produces product for the big name companies you've mentioned. Then on second or third shift the workers stamp out their own ''brand'' and sell them out the back door.

2: How do you go after ''them'' without instituting ''oppressive job killing regulations?''

3: Depends on the replica.