[jaydee]

Originally Posted by Gooserider

Ever compared Ford and Chevy V-8 engines? Think they were both invented by the same company?

Yes, they are cmpletely different. Also manufactures BUY tech and licences from each other to avoid law suits and make it legal.

Innovation even in the form of knockoff's is part of the competitive process - products are patentable, but not design concepts. If one person designs a product and patents it, then that product is protected, but not the idea of doing something in a way that is SIMILAR to the patented product. If there was no patent on the original design then that it is fair game for a direct copy.

There is no innovation in this block. It is a direct copy of the white water with some fancy BS around it. I bet if you measured it everything would be identical.

Cathar invented the Whitewater concept, and the initial design, and that is good. Other companies take the concept of fins with a center impingement jet and exhausts on each side, and create variations on it - perhaps a different configuration on the jet, or changes in the fin spacing and number, or putting bumps on the fins or ...... So long as there is a significant difference in the two products then all is somewhat fair - the question of just HOW MUCH difference is required may be a matter for the courts, but as long as there is enough, then it is legitimate.

Sorry, but this is just BS. It shouldn't have top get to the courts as these places should be designing their own blocks, not variations of one's already made.

This may even lead to a technical improvement. I have no doubt about Cathar's genius, but I also don't think he has tried every possible manner of jet and fin configuration, let alone top design and material choice, and I see it as entirely possible that a knockoff could infact find a configuration or manufacturing method that improves on the original.

Sure, hasn't yet though since 2001. They are not interested in performance. They are interested in selling blocks. How do you do that? Make a copy of a popular block or design one better. Which is easier and quicker?...

I would also point out that no company. no matter how ethically challenged, profits or gets rich strictly by ripping off the designs of a competitor. ALL companies can profit only by finding an answer to the key business question of "How can I help you today Mr. Customer?" that is better than the answer offered by a competitor. This might be done by offering a knockoff for less money, a better design, or a copy that can be gotten instead of just lusted after. In each case, the customer gets something he needs, and the market is guided towards the optimal use of resources of all types.

No, something he "wants". And he is whilling to do whatever it takes to get what he "wants". Even if it means disrespecting.

Given that in the WC market, there seems to be such a small amount of difference between the top level of blocks that even the honest testers have trouble reaching a concensus as to what is the best, it seems to me that there is little room for competition on technical merits, as one will probably be reasonably happy with any of the top tier blocks. So what is left? Price? Availability? 'Bling Bling' design? Build quality? All copper vs. mixed metals? Use of a design concept that is known to be effective?

Plenty.

So Mr block maker, why aren't you asking me "How can I serve you better?" instead of kvetching about people that are doing it?

They can serve me better by being innovative and making somthing original that works and giving credit were credit is due. Once that is acheived I have a reason to make a commerial block. Untill then I have no reason what so ever to make a block for people to use as all I can expect is for some other company to rip it off and sell it themselfs.

What reason does a new company have to make their own block in the current state of jacking designs? How is this benifitting the WC world? There is no innovation in the current WC world. Proof is all these WW knock offs that don't work as good as the original. Innovation is making something new and BETTER or taking something old and making it BETTER. So far that has not happened from anyone. You are wrong in your thoughs above. These companies are simply wrong in the ways they are doing business and taking advantage of the ignorant buyer and of work done by others.

Gooserider

jaydee116 have you considered the limits of manufacturing blocks.

Thanks for the insult. I see my work on this site really shows. Yes, I know it all to well and there are hundreds of combinations yet to be done. Some even work.