Replicas/Knock-Offs…A crime that should be stopped?

Patek Philippe Replica

Patek Philippe Replica

Hello again.  I was reading an article the other day about luxury good knock-offs, and it got me thinking, since watches are such a huge piece of this market.  I wonder what the average person thinks about companies (mostly foreign) ripping off luxury designs and selling those products in the States.

Personally I’m a bit torn.  I have to admit that I did purchase a replica watch awhile back and was sorely disappointed in its quality.  It looked much better in the pictures I saw online, but that is no surprise.  That said is it really a crime to copy designs and sell less-expensive versions to those who cannot afford the real thing?  Technically, I suppose it is.  But let’s think about this…

Would you agree that one of the basic reasons for copyright laws is to protect against potential lost sales in the event of one company copying the designs of and/or stealing the technology of another?  If so, then how exactly does the replica industry hurt sales of the real thing?  People buying replicas can’t afford these products anyway.

Another major reason for copyright protection, is brand protection.  In other words you do not want someone producing inferior products with your name on them for fear of it hurting your brand’s image.  Again though I don’t see how the replica industry hurts anyone here…who in their right minds is going to associate the poor quality of a replica product with the real brand?  And even if they did, they are not the target market due to their inability to afford the “real” product.

I guess what I am saying is this: I do not “condone” the proliferation of replicas and knock-offs, but I’m also not nearly as sure as others that these people should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.  One thing I do know, however, is that I will not be purchasing another replica watch as long as I live.  Total waste of money.