a company that thrives on stealing original designs
Now I understand your miss-given Hostility toward fasttech. You must not be aware they are simply a Supply Company. A large Vendor that was very small only a few years ago.
They do not Steal or Build anything and often search for long periods to find suppliers of goods Requested by Their Customer Base.
That is why they have carried several manufacturers productions of the same devices - Nemesis Clone for one - to meet demand.
They do not produce or contract to produce anything. When Possible they supply originals pf product at the best price they can afford while maintaining a working profit.
Your Friend did not exactly invent anything, but simply brought a modified design to the vaping community.
One of Many:
Sciortino Hand Held Model
PIANO RESTRINGING TOOLS