Please feel free to post sightings, share news or chew the cud about this underground and (sometimes misunderstood) part of TF culture. To start the ball rolling, here are some resource links below to KO TFs and the wider world of knockoffs in general.
(Note: Some sections have been put behind "Spoiler" tags in order to limit the post length/create a neater appearance)
General KO Info
Tfwiki's (slightly outdated) article on KO TFs
- https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Knockoff
Teletran1's (equally outdated and possibly erroneous) article on KO TFs
- https://transformers.fandom.com/wiki/Knockoff
A Brief History of KO G1 TFs
- https://youtu.be/Uz-mr8DkP40
- https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Knockoff
Teletran1's (equally outdated and possibly erroneous) article on KO TFs
- https://transformers.fandom.com/wiki/Knockoff
A Brief History of KO G1 TFs
- https://youtu.be/Uz-mr8DkP40
The Legal Definitions & Issues Relating to KOs and Counterfeit Goods
"...the differences [between a knock-off and a counterfeit], a knockoff is just that: a cheap imitation. While the original manufacturer may not be happy about someone mimicking their design for a quick buck, it is generally not clearly illegal. As such, the buyer has little to worry about, and if they get tired of the item and decide to resell it, they will probably not have law enforcement kicking down their door..."
(Source: - https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/c...er-goods-is-it-illegal-to-purchase-them-31573 )
"...The colloquial term knockoff is often used interchangeably with counterfeit, although their legal meanings are not identical. Knockoff products are those that copy or imitate the physical appearance of other products but which do not copy the brand name or logo of a trademark. They may still be illegal under trademark laws if they confuse consumers. Counterfeiters can include producers, distributors or retail sellers. Pirated goods are reproductions of copyrighted products used without permission, such as music, movies or ssoftware Exact definitions depend on the laws of various countries..."
(Source: - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counterfeit_consumer_goods )
More Legal Info & Discussion Relating to KOs.
The difference between a knockoff and a counterfeit product - https://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-the-Difference-Between-a-Counterfeit-and-a-Knockoff?&id=7095554
Definition of "counterfeit'
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counterfeit
Here's a review of a possibly counterfeit G1 TF:
- https://youtu.be/zuTvWteX6UU
Hasbro vs Sparkletoys Lawsuit (which was mentioned in one of the videos above)
- https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/780/189/148570/
Transformers Rubsigns (Legal Protection Against Counterfeits)
- http://www.jaredunzipped.com/2016/03/how-do-transformers-rubsign-stickers.html?m=1
Ragdoll vs Wallmart's KO Teletubbies:
- https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/23/...ubbies-as-cute-winds-up-in-federal-court.html
Official Hasbro Rubsign Advert
- https://youtu.be/EjvgH3ueXkg More Info on Rubsigns - https://youtu.be/MvyIFbtHTos
When a KO is not a KO
- https://arstechnica.com/cars/2021/05/when-is-a-porsche-911-not-a-porsche-911-when-its-a-ruf/
Why KOs are basically legal
-
When KOs are better than the originals
-
Definition of "counterfeit'
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counterfeit
Here's a review of a possibly counterfeit G1 TF:
- https://youtu.be/zuTvWteX6UU
Hasbro vs Sparkletoys Lawsuit (which was mentioned in one of the videos above)
- https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/780/189/148570/
Transformers Rubsigns (Legal Protection Against Counterfeits)
- http://www.jaredunzipped.com/2016/03/how-do-transformers-rubsign-stickers.html?m=1
Ragdoll vs Wallmart's KO Teletubbies:
- https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/23/...ubbies-as-cute-winds-up-in-federal-court.html
Official Hasbro Rubsign Advert
- https://youtu.be/EjvgH3ueXkg More Info on Rubsigns - https://youtu.be/MvyIFbtHTos
When a KO is not a KO
- https://arstechnica.com/cars/2021/05/when-is-a-porsche-911-not-a-porsche-911-when-its-a-ruf/
Why KOs are basically legal
-
When KOs are better than the originals
-
Everyday Items We Buy That Are KOs
Supermarket/Food KOs:
- https://www.thetravel.com/knockoff-food-brands-surprising/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/lauraheller/2011/06/29/10-secrets-about-store-brands/?sh=1119b08f7db0
- https://joyenergizer.com/30-hilarious-aldi-lidl-knock-offs-famous-brands/
(Notice the similar packaging designs for similar products)
- A Comparison of Store Brand and Regular Brand Supermarket Packaging:
- https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~aldous/Research/Ugrad/Jane_Liang.pdf
Name brands vs. knockoffs: Putting food to the test.
https://www.click2houston.com/consumer/2018/02/19/name-brands-vs-knockoffs-putting-food-to-the-test/
Name Brands vs. Knockoffs: What to never buy generic:
- https://www.click2houston.com/consu...rands-vs-knockoffs-what-to-never-buy-generic/
Information about "private label/store brand" products:
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_label
(Notice the similar packaging and products)
BETTER THAN REAL THING.These supermarket colas cost a fraction of the top brands:
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/18625519/aldi-morrisons-tesco-lidl-asda-sainsburys-colas-tested/
Sainsbury gives in to Coke: Retailer will change design of its own-brand cola cans after 'amicable discussions'
"COCA-COLA...persuaded J Sainsbury to change the design of its own-brand 'Classic' cola to make it look less like Coke...
.. it had carried out research that showed customers were confused about which was Coke and which was Sainsbury's Classic. 'The new version is a signifcant improvement which has addressed our main concerns...Sainsbury is changing the typeface and removing underlining from part of the logo on the can...
Many other producers have claimed that retailers' brand packaging is so similar to their own that it is virtually indistinguishable, but this is the first significant victory for the manufacturers in this area.
Several leading branded goods manufacturers - including Unilever, Allied-Lyons, Kellogs and Mars - are attempting to persuade the Government to tackle the problem of copycat brands in a review of trade mark legislation currently going though Parliament..."
(Source: - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/...-cans-after-amicable-discussions-1435187.html )
Americans are ditching knock-off brands: Pampers and Hefty are back:
-
edition.cnn.com
Knockoff Groceries:
- https://www.grocerydive.com/news/gr...uts-inside-krogers-private-label-push/534196/
Is AI-Generated Art a Knockoff?
- https://arstechnica.com/information...ges-some-art-communities-ban-them-completely/
FDA Lets Pharmacies Substitute Branded Insulin With Knockoff Product:
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-le...duct-in-first-for-a-biologic-drug-11627589200
The Rise of Big Generic: Why Knockoff Prescriptions Now Cost $1,200:
- https://truthout.org/articles/the-rise-of-big-generic-why-knockoff-prescriptions-now-cost-1-200/
Generic Medicine Information:
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generic_drug
- https://www.thetravel.com/knockoff-food-brands-surprising/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/lauraheller/2011/06/29/10-secrets-about-store-brands/?sh=1119b08f7db0
- https://joyenergizer.com/30-hilarious-aldi-lidl-knock-offs-famous-brands/
(Notice the similar packaging designs for similar products)
- A Comparison of Store Brand and Regular Brand Supermarket Packaging:
- https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~aldous/Research/Ugrad/Jane_Liang.pdf
Name brands vs. knockoffs: Putting food to the test.
https://www.click2houston.com/consumer/2018/02/19/name-brands-vs-knockoffs-putting-food-to-the-test/
Name Brands vs. Knockoffs: What to never buy generic:
- https://www.click2houston.com/consu...rands-vs-knockoffs-what-to-never-buy-generic/
Information about "private label/store brand" products:
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_label
(Notice the similar packaging and products)
BETTER THAN REAL THING.These supermarket colas cost a fraction of the top brands:
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/18625519/aldi-morrisons-tesco-lidl-asda-sainsburys-colas-tested/
Sainsbury gives in to Coke: Retailer will change design of its own-brand cola cans after 'amicable discussions'
"COCA-COLA...persuaded J Sainsbury to change the design of its own-brand 'Classic' cola to make it look less like Coke...
.. it had carried out research that showed customers were confused about which was Coke and which was Sainsbury's Classic. 'The new version is a signifcant improvement which has addressed our main concerns...Sainsbury is changing the typeface and removing underlining from part of the logo on the can...
Many other producers have claimed that retailers' brand packaging is so similar to their own that it is virtually indistinguishable, but this is the first significant victory for the manufacturers in this area.
Several leading branded goods manufacturers - including Unilever, Allied-Lyons, Kellogs and Mars - are attempting to persuade the Government to tackle the problem of copycat brands in a review of trade mark legislation currently going though Parliament..."
(Source: - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/...-cans-after-amicable-discussions-1435187.html )
Americans are ditching knock-off brands: Pampers and Hefty are back:
-
Americans are ditching knock-off brands: Pampers and Hefty are back
For years, stores' cheaper, in-house labels chipped away at the dominance of classic food and household staple brands. Not anymore.
edition.cnn.com
Knockoff Groceries:
- https://www.grocerydive.com/news/gr...uts-inside-krogers-private-label-push/534196/
Is AI-Generated Art a Knockoff?
- https://arstechnica.com/information...ges-some-art-communities-ban-them-completely/
FDA Lets Pharmacies Substitute Branded Insulin With Knockoff Product:
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-le...duct-in-first-for-a-biologic-drug-11627589200
The Rise of Big Generic: Why Knockoff Prescriptions Now Cost $1,200:
- https://truthout.org/articles/the-rise-of-big-generic-why-knockoff-prescriptions-now-cost-1-200/
Generic Medicine Information:
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generic_drug
Everyday Clothing Which are Knockoffs
How Fast Fashion Brands Get Away With Copying Designers
"...Fast fashion retailers like Zara and H&M are able to produce and sell garments that look almost exactly the same as designs by luxury labels because “Essentially, in the U.S., we don’t have copyright protection for fashion design,” Borukhovich said. Additionally, copyright law “does not provide exclusive rights for inherently useful items,” Zerbo said. Garments and accessories are typically considered “useful items,” she added, because bags allow us to carry things and dresses cover our bodies..."
(Source: - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/fast-fashion-copycats_n_5b8967f9e4b0511db3d7def6 )
Knockoff Designer Clothing (which is perfectly legal) :
- https://the-socialites-closet.com/knock-off-clothing/
Highstreet Shops' Fashion Knockoffs:
- https://www.wmagazine.com/gallery/most-shameless-high-fashion-knockoffs-2017
High street hijack: Those cut-price copies of designer outfits:
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/...-Those-cut-price-copies-designer-outfits.html
"...Fast fashion retailers like Zara and H&M are able to produce and sell garments that look almost exactly the same as designs by luxury labels because “Essentially, in the U.S., we don’t have copyright protection for fashion design,” Borukhovich said. Additionally, copyright law “does not provide exclusive rights for inherently useful items,” Zerbo said. Garments and accessories are typically considered “useful items,” she added, because bags allow us to carry things and dresses cover our bodies..."
(Source: - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/fast-fashion-copycats_n_5b8967f9e4b0511db3d7def6 )
Knockoff Designer Clothing (which is perfectly legal) :
- https://the-socialites-closet.com/knock-off-clothing/
Highstreet Shops' Fashion Knockoffs:
- https://www.wmagazine.com/gallery/most-shameless-high-fashion-knockoffs-2017
High street hijack: Those cut-price copies of designer outfits:
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/...-Those-cut-price-copies-designer-outfits.html
How Legit Companies (Including Hasbro) Circumvent Copyright (or Related) Laws
Hasbro/Takara Tomy's "Knockoff Vehicle" Transformers?
[- https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Licensed_vehicle_alternate_modes
Kre-o - Hasbro's Knockoff Lego?
- https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011...s-kre-o-transformer-kits-dont-call-them-lego/
More info on "Lego Clone" products:
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_clone
A comedy video about "knockoff" Kre-o vs Lego:
- https://youtu.be/vv3srTr9ZhQ
Hasbro's Official TF Knockoff, "Jetfire"
-
www.cbr.com
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment...con-exclusive-transformers-toy-050000667.html
- https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Jetfire_(G1)/toys (See the "notes" section, at the bottom of the link's page)
Grey/Parallel Market Imported Products
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_import
-
(Deals with issues, such as potentially lost sales of American products, by purchasing products imported from outside America instead, similar to buying imported Takara/Hasbro Asia TFs instead of Hasbro TFs in America. This is an oft-quoted argument against buying KO TFs too.)
Knockoff TF Manufacturer "Weijiang" "Closed" by Hasbro?
- https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2007232766/
How Companies Circumvent the Law to a Avoid Tarifs
-
[- https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Licensed_vehicle_alternate_modes
Kre-o - Hasbro's Knockoff Lego?
- https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011...s-kre-o-transformer-kits-dont-call-them-lego/
More info on "Lego Clone" products:
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_clone
A comedy video about "knockoff" Kre-o vs Lego:
- https://youtu.be/vv3srTr9ZhQ
Hasbro's Official TF Knockoff, "Jetfire"
-
Macross Changed the Fate of a Fan-Favorite Transformer
Macross had a popular design in the VF-1 Valkyrie, but its toy was best known for later being a Transformer.
www.cbr.com
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment...con-exclusive-transformers-toy-050000667.html
- https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Jetfire_(G1)/toys (See the "notes" section, at the bottom of the link's page)
Grey/Parallel Market Imported Products
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_import
-
Knockoff TF Manufacturer "Weijiang" "Closed" by Hasbro?
- https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2007232766/
How Companies Circumvent the Law to a Avoid Tarifs
-
Personal Opinions and Discussions of KO TFs
A video about the current (2022) state of KO MP TFs, plus some opinions as to why the uploader believes KO TFs are a good thing
- https://youtu.be/7uVWQCEZCSI
A Brief Discussion at Seibertron.com (in defense of KOs)
- https://www.seibertron.com/energonp...n-customizations-forum--p2126469.php#p2126449
A View on KO TFs
- https://youtu.be/G1ImwF88QKw?si=7OesXhUeb0U7wMCz
Comedy Sketch About Chinese KOs
- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UCzMY8JepF8&feature=youtu.be
- https://youtu.be/7uVWQCEZCSI
A Brief Discussion at Seibertron.com (in defense of KOs)
- https://www.seibertron.com/energonp...n-customizations-forum--p2126469.php#p2126449
A View on KO TFs
- https://youtu.be/G1ImwF88QKw?si=7OesXhUeb0U7wMCz
Comedy Sketch About Chinese KOs
- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UCzMY8JepF8&feature=youtu.be
Knockoff TF Video Resources
Bots and Bits
- https://m.youtube.com/c/BotsandBits/videos
Ben's KOllectibles
- https://m.youtube.com/c/BensKOllectables/videos
Emgo's Knockoff TF Reviews
- https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszc8VRCv6OfZ1tpud0OO56xMlSGlOXPz
Bootleg Toys Vietnam
- https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCUEUCmYFV3CKZv_RZWzNyww/videos
Sirtoys KO Toy Reviews
- https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkeqtLLblRgPRBestiiGs1dCOlx9vWLEW
Toys and Candy
- https://m.youtube.com/c/ToysandCandy/videos
Knockoff MOTU Toy History
-
Knockoff TF Toy History
- https://youtu.be/Uz-mr8DkP40?si=01-XwTetroJ0H-6B
- https://m.youtube.com/c/BotsandBits/videos
Ben's KOllectibles
- https://m.youtube.com/c/BensKOllectables/videos
Emgo's Knockoff TF Reviews
- https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszc8VRCv6OfZ1tpud0OO56xMlSGlOXPz
Bootleg Toys Vietnam
- https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCUEUCmYFV3CKZv_RZWzNyww/videos
Sirtoys KO Toy Reviews
- https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkeqtLLblRgPRBestiiGs1dCOlx9vWLEW
Toys and Candy
- https://m.youtube.com/c/ToysandCandy/videos
Knockoff MOTU Toy History
-
Knockoff TF Toy History
- https://youtu.be/Uz-mr8DkP40?si=01-XwTetroJ0H-6B
KO Transformers Online Shops
ShowZ Store
- https://showzstore.com/c/4th-party-tfs_0373
(ShowZ's KO Discord - https://discord.gg/eTJfsjH6MB )
TF Direct
- https://tf-direct.com/
Sirtoys
- http://sirtoys.com/
- https://showzstore.com/c/4th-party-tfs_0373
(ShowZ's KO Discord - https://discord.gg/eTJfsjH6MB )
TF Direct
- https://tf-direct.com/
Sirtoys
- http://sirtoys.com/
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