Nope. If that's the case, there wouldn't be any 4-wheel cars on the road other than Ford. Which is why it's puzzling that people are so against competitors 'borrowing' the fold from Bromptons.

After seeing the history of Bromptons, I now have more respect for them. I like that they kept the manufacturing (and jobs) in a first-world country instead of taking the easy way out.

However, if a viable competitor was to arise, I'm doubtful Bromptons could carry on the way they are. It's really a matter of time. It'd be interesting to see how they respond to that.