Originally Posted by saberphx

Replicas make me nervous because next year I am going to be fabricating and manufactoring fiberglass (for now) body kits and accessories.
I can only hope America copywrite laws will protect the design I have worked so long on making and perfecting.
I would be absolutely pissed if I saw a replica group buy for it.
Am I wrong?

Originally Posted by saberphx

Replicas make me nervous because next year I am going to be fabricating and manufactoring fiberglass (for now) body kits and accessories.
I can only hope America copywrite laws will protect the design I have worked so long on making and perfecting.
I would be absolutely pissed if I saw a replica group buy for it.
Am I wrong?

Originally Posted by WPPJR30

Of course, this thread was started with a hint of sarcasm at its root , but I am one of the people who feel frustrated when I see the thread titles of "My Nismo V2 350Z" or "For Sale: INGS+1 Body Kit" and then open the thread to find out they aren't actually what they advertise themselves to be. I have actually been a victim or purchasing something that was advertised as "Authentic" and turned out to be the worst-made replica I have ever seen, but that is really not why I become frustrated, or why I am responding here...

The main issue I have with replicas and what irks me somewhat (and I am not in the aftermarket parts industry) is the lack of originality or ingenuity that goes into making a replica. When it comes down to it, it is stealing another person or another company's design. Plain and simple. Not only that, but a replica is taking the name (and reputation) of a company. That name is something that that original company has undoubtedly worked hard for. Maybe replicas use some new, "state-of-the-art" materials, but without that original pioneer, there would not be a product for them to sell. There would not be a product that makes it possible for those vendors to put money into their pocket. That, to me, does not show a passion to the hobby or dedication to the industry. It shows greed and a desire to make a dollar. I am not dumb. I know the argument is out there that these companies are "saving the consumer money by producing replicas because the originals are overpriced" (and I have no doubt that some of the replicas out there are extremely good quality parts), but when it comes down to it, would they really be selling these parts if it wasn't putting money into their pocket? I realize all companies are out there to make money, but the replica producers are not the consumers' savior as they may like you to believe.

Originally Posted by Chebosto

What you spend your own money on FTW!

Originally Posted by phreaktor

If someone wants a kit for their car but only has 800 bucks, do you really expect them to save another 800 to get a genuine kit or purchase a nice quality replica? Example- When I had my accident, I had the choice of OEM parts or a kit. I went with the Type A rep kit and save the rest to have it installed and painted. Now I could have waited another month and got a genuine and then waited another month to get it installed and the car would look the same as it does now. the ONLY difference is I'd be able to tell people I had a Vizage kit and I'd be 800 dollars lighter. Smart shopping ftw.

The only person who is going to know is you unless you make it known to everyone and at that point, you are just modding your car for the rest of the world. You go to work everyday and earn your money, so you can buy whatever you want from who ever you want.

I wonder if those of you who are so passionate about this are the same way about DLing music?

Originally Posted by Jim@Showstoppers

Unless you patent your design, not copyright laws are going to stop other companies from making a replica.

Originally Posted by WPPJR30

Of course, this thread was started with a hint of sarcasm at its root , but I am one of the people who feel frustrated when I see the thread titles of "My Nismo V2 350Z" or "For Sale: INGS+1 Body Kit" and then open the thread to find out they aren't actually what they advertise themselves to be. I have actually been a victim or purchasing something that was advertised as "Authentic" and turned out to be the worst-made replica I have ever seen, but that is really not why I become frustrated, or why I am responding here...

The main issue I have with replicas and what irks me somewhat (and I am not in the aftermarket parts industry) is the lack of originality or ingenuity that goes into making a replica. When it comes down to it, it is stealing another person or another company's design. Plain and simple. Not only that, but a replica is taking the name (and reputation) of a company. That name is something that that original company has undoubtedly worked hard for. Maybe replicas use some new, "state-of-the-art" materials, but without that original pioneer, there would not be a product for them to sell. There would not be a product that makes it possible for those vendors to put money into their pocket. That, to me, does not show a passion to the hobby or dedication to the industry. It shows greed and a desire to make a dollar. I am not dumb. I know the argument is out there that these companies are "saving the consumer money by producing replicas because the originals are overpriced" (and I have no doubt that some of the replicas out there are extremely good quality parts), but when it comes down to it, would they really be selling these parts if it wasn't putting money into their pocket? I realize all companies are out there to make money, but the replica producers are not the consumers' savior as they may like you to believe.

Another thing that gets to me is the fact that 95% of the parts on my car are authentic. I will readily admit that I have a replica part on my car, I had the most difficult time locating an authentic, so I caved and purchased a replica. I look at that part, however, and think of it as the downfall or black-eye of my car, because it's not authentic. That's my own OCD issue ... I digress. Nonetheless, I endure the 6 month delays and the shipping from Japan, because I want authentic parts on my car. That's my decision. I'm also a realist. It is reality that replicas will always be around. I know that some people disagree with my sentiments 100%, and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and everyone is entitled to buy whatever they want with their own money, but it bothers me to see a car with an "Amuse" bumper in every other thread I open now or to see someone incorporate "JDM" in the description of the parts on their car. It's not JDM at all! You purchased it for half the price of the real thing and received it in a week and a half.

It basically comes down to the consumer's money. If you want to spend it on what is fundamentally and unequivocally a 'knock-off,' you have the right to do so... I, for one, choose not to...

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I think you're missing the point. It's not about knowing which one you have, it's about having more than one to begin with. People are knowingly stealing (call it what you want if it makes you sleep better at night) reputable companies ideas and products period. Just cause it costs less to the consumer, doesn't make it right. And just because there is a loop hole which doesn't allow prosecuting in the US doesn't make it any less immoral or unethical.

In the end it will just cost us more and more to get the authentic parts.

Originally Posted by buzzardmountain

Isn't the Seibon hood you have on your website a "knock-off" of Veilside...???

Seibon:

http://www.fusion-racing.com/vtcafiho.html

Veilside:

http://www.intensepower.com/veve3cafiho3.html

Originally Posted by THE TECH

And? We no longer sell Seibon even though it is listed on the site still. Besides that, what does that have to do with me? I have no direct hand in Seibon's rip off of other products. I do not promote their items either.

Originally Posted by RedBullRR

I just want to know what the heck does this mean?

teh suckz


Two words that are not in the English dictionary so please enlighten me.

Also this statement you made makes no sense to me.
"Here's your thread......post away and quite ruining other threads."

Do you want them to post away or to be quite? Or do you want them to quit ruining other threads?

LOL, I can correct this mentally, jut wondering if thats what you meant?

Originally Posted by buzzardmountain

I was just asking.....I thought you sold Seibon products....that's all.

Originally Posted by RedBullRR

Do you want them to post away or to be quite? Or do you want them to quit ruining other threads?

Originally Posted by buzzardmountain

I'll let you figure out teh suckz.....

I dropped the "e" in the first post so that you are better able to comprehend.