Knock Out Knockoffs

 

I am encouraged by the possible enactment of legislation that would close the domestic-market loophole on foreign pirating of manufacturing methods ("Foreigners Pirate New Manufacturing Methods," Insider, April). However, another serious problem remains in the rampant foreign piracy of products, particularly in its impact on smaller manufacturers. Such design infringements (knockoffs) bgy offshore companies are widespread, unethical, and illegal. Unfortunately, smaller manufacturers are just not equipped to fight international legal battles on their own. What's more, the foreign companies know it.

Since it is extremely costly to seek out and identify these culprits overseas and force them to desist, we maintain that steps should be taken by the U.S. Customs Service to provide an effective barrier to the importation of these illegal products.