The hidden costs of imitation and the impact of design piracy on the automotive and motorcycle parts market
The automotive industry has become complex and competitive. From the car and motorcycle parts to serviceable unit demands. The industry is growing and at the same time vying for countless potential design infringements. Take a look at motorcycle tires for instance. More and more tire brands are coming in from different manufacturing facilities in America, Europe, and Asia.
Regardless of where it came from, legitimate manufacturers set different standards for design, packaging, and technical specifications. The potential design piracy of tires may still occur. While the possibility of accusations has been levied against certain brands if a certain model has the same design as another brand, the issue of tire design piracy raises significant ethical and legal questions.
Consumers must be aware of these trade practices. Buying tires that may have copied designs may incur potential risks to safety while using it and the quality of products may suffer in the long run. It may not be a counterfeited product but may not meet the same quality standards offered by the design origin product.
Consider the following tips to protect yourself from falling victim to tire design piracy:
Research and Verify:
Make sure to research the brand and model you’re interested in. Check online reviews, forums, and social media groups for feedback. While brand ambassadors may provide positive feedback on a certain product, specific deals or agreements with the brand may come into play. Consider basing your decisions on actual usage results. A known tire dealer, Tire Rack, have some helpful tips these (https://www.tirerack.com/content/tirerack/desktop/en/homepage.html).
Purchase from Reputable Retailers:
Authorized dealers or retailers are a good to go for purchasing legit tires. These establishments are more likely to stock genuine products and have quality control measures in place. Although the majority of tire shops are legitimate, be mindful that some may push certain products, especially those with excess inventory. And you will never know if the tires you’re buying is just similar to the recommendable tires.
Inspect the Tires:
Carefully inspect the tires before purchasing. Look for any signs of damage, irregularities, or mismatched markings. Pay attention to the tire markings, as modern tire manufacturers have perfected the process. Compare tires of the same design to identify potential variations in markings that may indicate differences in performance or longevity.
Be Wary of Suspiciously Low Prices:
While lower prices can be attractive, be cautious of suspiciously low offers. Some manufacturers position their tires in lower tiers to differentiate them from their premium brands. For example, Michelin, a renowned tire brand, has a lower-tier brand called Corsa that uses the same materials and manufacturing processes but is positioned in a different market segment.
Evaluate Extended Warranties Carefully:
While extended warranties can provide additional peace of mind, be cautious when purchasing them for tires from less reputable brands. Research the warranty provider and carefully read the terms and conditions to ensure it adequately covers your needs.
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you suspect that you have purchased tires with a copied design, report the incident to the relevant authorities and the manufacturer. Your report can help to protect other consumers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Understanding the Legality of Tire Design Copying:
The issue of tire design piracy raises complex legal questions concerning intellectual property rights. For further information on patents and copyrights related to tire designs, you can refer to the following resources:
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.uspto.gov/
- European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO): https://euipo.europa.eu/
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): https://www.wipo.int/
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of purchasing tires that have copied designs. Remember, investing in genuine tires is not only a matter of protecting your wallet but also safeguarding your safety on the road.
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OP-ED BY: ALEX A | PUBLISHED BY: TRAFFIC NETWORK PH