Copies of GG name are going too far

[imeothanasis]

There is a person on Czech forums named Boris Netopil and the name of its company is: "gold drive". He sells "GG" items and the best part is that he sells them under GG name. He also put GG logo on his constructions.

Some serious people there told him that this is illegal and they also asked me to send them the patent numbers of GG name so they can proove that his actions are illegal. His answer was that he will talk to his lawyer and he will press charges to those people because they ruin his name. This person thinks that he has a name lol

I hope that you all of you see now what kind of people are all these people that copy GG items, copy GG logo, copy ideas.

Now the householder must be afraid of the thief. Thats a new generation of the world.

Edit....... The thief cant do anything of course but I am very impressed by its audacity.

 

[Serpent67]

Piss on that guy. Tell him to bring it on. All bluff.

 

[Mistsmok3]

Imeo, I've been following your posts, basically for new products, but I also take the occasional look at "clone-posts" like the one here. I don't know about the "Boris Netopil" issue, but it seems to me that you're approaching this the wrong way. I could be incorrect, of course, but here is my two cents:

1) In my opinion, you need to stop saying that it's fine for people to clone your products just as long as they don't use the GG / IMEO names, logos. If you prefer chasing only those who do the latter, that's your call, but I wouldn't go saying it's okay to copy the design…that could be used against you in the future.

2) You said it costs millions to patent designs. I don't think it's so expensive. In the EU, the cost could go up to 32,000 euros (for 10 years) mainly due to translations (less if you could cut on the translation costs), but from January 1, 2014, the price will drop dramatically (think around 6,000 euros) because of the new EU unitary patent rule – I added a link below, but I'm not sure if it's allowed here. Do the same in the U.S. and you're covered in the two largest markets in the world. You only need to make an example of one, for others to think twice before they do it – be that vendors (claiming profit losses) or manufacturers.

Parliament approves EU unitary patent rules

An average cost of an European patent

3) I understand the need for informing people about what's going, but do it in a single sticky, not with multiple posts – it becomes tiring for readers, consumers etc, let alone that you're actually providing free advertising to clone-makers...

As a disclosure, I will say that I bought a Terminator-C (the original, not the clone, as stated by Stormy – place facepalm here, English-style, not Greek), because I couldn't get GG products. The Term made me an avid fan of your line after having tried all sorts of other atomizers (from egos to iClears, and Genesis style units). I was able to pre-order the Ithaka, which I am patiently waiting to try out. As many have said, one of the main reasons why people buy clones is that GG products are unavailable most of the times, and it's a murky situation when it comes to gaining information about when and where they will be offered.

I understand that you like the creative part of your work, but perhaps if you could push the pause button on products for a few weeks or months and use that time to solve these long-standing problems (distributors, official website, product planning, marketing), it could ultimately free you up and allow you to concentrate on what you do best.

As they say in Hellas, filika!

 

[BigSteve940]

Lets all take a trip and pay him a visit!

 

[imeothanasis]

Thank you for your post Mist my friend and thanks a lot for liking GG products

When I say that its ok for people to copy GG products, I mean it. I dont really cape about clones, only about my customers and my product. Its not an issue for me to see others cloning GG series, really. And I dont see how this will come against me in future

If I want to patent a construction, it will costs a lot of money, millions as you said. The reason is that you have to patent every single piece of a construction. If you patent only the whole piece then the copier can do only some small and minor changes, and then he can represent his copy as his construction. Imagine me trying to patent 20 pieces of only one GG construction!

I think that I didnt open a lot of threads but only a single and sticky as you said and this is:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...illegal-sites-red-letters-please-careful.html

On this thread, I collected all the sites that make imitations so people will know when they buy an original GG product and when they dont. Also I posted there all the illegal sites that put GG name and logo on their constructions. So I dont make multiple threads as you see. But I had to open a new thread this time to help as much as I can all GG people that defend GG name when someone else is trying to harm them. I cant see thiefs trying to press charges to my friends and I have to give them as much help as I can, thats why I make public this issue. These guys asked me for my help and I couldnt stay careless

Stopping production trying to solve all those issues is not the solution to my opinion Mist. These issues will never end, we just have to be informed every time something like this happen. The solution to my opinion is to keep doing what I am doing, giving to my people the best I can and trying to solve issues like this as we move forward

Imeo, I've been following your posts, basically for new products, but I also take the occasional look at "clone-posts" like the one here. I don't know about the "Boris Netopil" issue, but it seems to me that you're approaching this the wrong way. I could be incorrect, of course, but here is my two cents:

1) In my opinion, you need to stop saying that it's fine for people to clone your products just as long as they don't use the GG / IMEO names, logos. If you prefer chasing only those who do the latter, that's your call, but I wouldn't go saying it's okay to copy the design…that could be used against you in the future.

2) You said it costs millions to patent designs. I don't think it's so expensive. In the EU, the cost could go up to 32,000 euros (for 10 years) mainly due to translations (less if you could cut on the translation costs), but from January 1, 2014, the price will drop dramatically (think around 6,000 euros) because of the new EU unitary patent rule – I added a link below, but I'm not sure if it's allowed here. Do the same in the U.S. and you're covered in the two largest markets in the world. You only need to make an example of one, for others to think twice before they do it – be that vendors (claiming profit losses) or manufacturers.

Parliament approves EU unitary patent rules

An average cost of an European patent

3) I understand the need for informing people about what's going, but do it in a single sticky, not with multiple posts – it becomes tiring for readers, consumers etc, let alone that you're actually providing free advertising to clone-makers...

As a disclosure, I will say that I bought a Terminator-C (the original, not the clone, as stated by Stormy – place facepalm here, English-style, not Greek), because I couldn't get GG products. The Term made me an avid fan of your line after having tried all sorts of other atomizers (from egos to iClears, and Genesis style units). I was able to pre-order the Ithaka, which I am patiently waiting to try out. As many have said, one of the main reasons why people buy clones is that GG products are unavailable most of the times, and it's a murky situation when it comes to gaining information about when and where they will be offered.

I understand that you like the creative part of your work, but perhaps if you could push the pause button on products for a few weeks or months and use that time to solve these long-standing problems (distributors, official website, product planning, marketing), it could ultimately free you up and allow you to concentrate on what you do best.

As they say in Hellas, filika!

 

[imeothanasis]

This "copy name" issue is going too far if you all agree. And when a friend or friends are in danger, we have to help them. They were trying to defend us and we will leave him defenceless because of someone that likes to do whatever he likes? That way, we stop defending ourselfes from all those people that want to harm us not only in e-cig business but in every level of our lifes

 

[fright88]

While I agree Copyrighting may be expensive I wonder if it is possible to copywrite the logo so it can't be used.

As for this person IMHO he is scum of the earth and I hope his products fail.

 

[Mistsmok3]

Food for thought.

So, what you're saying Imeo is that you publicly give everyone the right to reverse engineer your product as long as they avoid the use of your logos, which aren’t copyrighted, from what I understand?

That means someone can freely clone the Ithaka, Odysseys etc. build them in China for a fraction of the cost, set up a reliable production and delivery network, wisely choosing distributors in key markets (Europe, North America, Japan etc.) and offering a constant flow of stock (a major issue with GG products), taking advantage of your engineering work without ever worrying about breaking the law. Basically, leaving the creative process to you, and filling all the other gaps.

Perhaps I'm not seeing something here, but it doesn't really look like a solid business case for GG and the future of the brand (name), especially when demand surpasses supply and customers are irked from the lack of stock, extremely limited distribution channels and chaotic and often non-reliable information about availability.

Don't get me wrong, I'm with you 100 percent on the matter of copyrighted work, which is precisely why I think you should be more careful with public announcements of this type and why getting the production, distribution and info (think website) aspects better organized is as important as the products and the innovations they bring themselves.

I will, however, agree with you that you can't and shouldn't waste excessive energy and time on clones as these issues never end.

Let me stress here again that I'm just sharing some thoughts, which you can take or leave as you please. I am just participating in an open discussion, and in no way am I forcing my opinion on you.

Cheers!

 

[imeothanasis]

logo and name is copyrighted fright, thats why I made this thread.

While I agree Copyrighting may be expensive I wonder if it is possible to copywrite the logo so it can't be used.

As for this person IMHO he is scum of the earth and I hope his products fail.

 

[imeothanasis]

As I said to fright, logo and name is copyrighted Mist. As for the fact that I dont care if anyone copy my e-cigs, its because they copy them either. I dont courage anyone by my statement but they will copy it anyway even if I say the opossite.

Food for thought.

So, what you're saying Imeo is that you publicly give everyone the right to reverse engineer your product as long as they avoid the use of your logos, which aren’t copyrighted, from what I understand?

That means someone can freely clone the Ithaka, Odysseys etc. build them in China for a fraction of the cost, set up a reliable production and delivery network, wisely choosing distributors in key markets (Europe, North America, Japan etc.) and offering a constant flow of stock (a major issue with GG products), taking advantage of your engineering work without ever worrying about breaking the law. Basically, leaving the creative process to you, and filling all the other gaps.

Perhaps I'm not seeing something here, but it doesn't really look like a solid business case for GG and the future of the brand (name), especially when demand surpasses supply and customers are irked from the lack of stock, extremely limited distribution channels and chaotic and often non-reliable information about availability.

Don't get me wrong, I'm with you 100 percent on the matter of copyrighted work, which is precisely why I think you should be more careful with public announcements of this type and why getting the production, distribution and info (think website) aspects better organized is as important as the products and the innovations they bring themselves.

I will, however, agree with you that you can't and shouldn't waste excessive energy and time on clones as these issues never end.

Let me stress here again that I'm just sharing some thoughts, which you can take or leave as you please. I am just participating in an open discussion, and in no way am I forcing my opinion on you.

Cheers!

 

[ProngATO]

LOL mass produced Chinese crap (even if it is based on a reverse engineered GG product) vs a real GG product. No comparison. I think Chinese made knockoffs are a disservice to the whole vaping community.

Food for thought.

So, what you're saying Imeo is that you publicly give everyone the right to reverse engineer your product as long as they avoid the use of your logos, which aren’t copyrighted, from what I understand?

That means someone can freely clone the Ithaka, Odysseys etc. build them in China for a fraction of the cost, set up a reliable production and delivery network, wisely choosing distributors in key markets (Europe, North America, Japan etc.) and offering a constant flow of stock (a major issue with GG products), taking advantage of your engineering work without ever worrying about breaking the law. Basically, leaving the creative process to you, and filling all the other gaps.

Perhaps I'm not seeing something here, but it doesn't really look like a solid business case for GG and the future of the brand (name), especially when demand surpasses supply and customers are irked from the lack of stock, extremely limited distribution channels and chaotic and often non-reliable information about availability.

Don't get me wrong, I'm with you 100 percent on the matter of copyrighted work, which is precisely why I think you should be more careful with public announcements of this type and why getting the production, distribution and info (think website) aspects better organized is as important as the products and the innovations they bring themselves.

I will, however, agree with you that you can't and shouldn't waste excessive energy and time on clones as these issues never end.

Let me stress here again that I'm just sharing some thoughts, which you can take or leave as you please. I am just participating in an open discussion, and in no way am I forcing my opinion on you.

Cheers!

 

[mrgoodwrench2u]

There is a person on Czech forums named Boris Netopil and the name of its company is: "gold drive". He sells "GG" items and the best part is that he sells them under GG name. He also put GG logo on his constructions.

Some serious people there told him that this is illegal and they also asked me to send them the patent numbers of GG name so they can proove that his actions are illegal. His answer was that he will talk to his lawyer and he will press charges to those people because they ruin his name. This person thinks that he has a name lol

I hope that you all of you see now what kind of people are all these people that copy GG items, copy GG logo, copy ideas.

Now the householder must be afraid of the thief. Thats a new generation of the world.

Edit....... The thief cant do anything of course but I am very impressed by its audacity.

My dear friend Imeo Thanasis your a good guy and, your GG family knows your products and you.

Think about how bad life must suck for this copy guy to live in your shadows , because he is no man of his own !!
You know Imeo, he probably wares your GG shirt with your picture on it.... he wants to be you !

It is the lowest form of business , to impersonate other name brand products to trick people for money !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have all seen it in clothes , watches , shoes , sun glasses ,etcetera.....

Your friends and GG family know who you are and have your back Imeo!!!!!!!!

 

[imeothanasis]

Thank you my good friend Mr
This thread was made just to help the guys on Czech forums that were threaten by this guy. Issues like this much come public because its the only way to defend ourselfes against those people.

 

[imeothanasis]

I have to say that I love all people, even those that dont like me for their reasons.
I want all people equal and I dont like authority in general.
I dont like anyone to lives in anyone's else shadow.
I like people to be straight.

If people want to copy my designs, they are free to do it, its not illegal because I havent patent anything, so I cant really complain, I just post those copies from time to time because I want people know what is going on. But noone can pretent that its me, nor my mother. GG is me. If someone wants to copy GG constructions must pick another name and logo. And if he wants to be serious, he must not pick wings of any kind or names like GP, GJ, GC, GS, GGA etc if you know what I mean

 

[Mistsmok3]

LOL mass produced Chinese crap (even if it is based on a reverse engineered GG product) vs a real GG product. No comparison. I think Chinese made knockoffs are a disservice to the whole vaping community.

Well, I think it depends on the product. There are clones and there are clones. Take for example, the Terminator and Euphoria, Chinese doppelgangers of the Odysseus and Penelope respectively, which cost about a 1/3 of the price of the original GGs. They are very high quality products with the only difference being their brushed surface finish and the lack of logos. I have the Terminator and I can tell you that it is an exact copy (parts are interchangeable with the Odysseus) that works flawlessly - see a review of the Euphoria at Vapesquad -
Review: The Euforia - Vape Squad

Nevertheless, it irks me that at the time, I had to buy the clone because GG products weren't / aren't available, and it's a shame that they can get away with it. In any case, my intention was only to share some thoughts and insight, not to dictate to IMEO how to run his business.

 

[Kataphraktos]

As a trader, I can tell you there is a mismatch in pricing and availability here. Either prices have to be higher to bring demand in line with stock, or stock needs to increase to stabilize supply at current price points. These items fly from the classies so fast, it makes my head spin.

Which is to say: imeo is leaving a lot of money on the table.

Now, I know artisans like imeo do this for more than just the money - the love in these products is beyond obvious - but, unlike the bull Hollywood tries to sell to us, money and love can be balanced to maximize both.

IMO, imeo could utterly ignore the cloners and their business practices, double production, increase prices, and still end up selling out in minutes.

 

[imeothanasis]

kata, I know the last 4 years that I can sell GG series in very high prices. I also know that I can sell it even more high because I see much inferior constructions that are sold in much higher than GG prices. But my intentions were never to get rich or to steal people's money. The practice that big companies follow are out of my business. All those years I follow my own path as you maybe know.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions, they are the suggestions that everyone else maybe would follow but not me buddy