we see 'defective' tires at the bike shop ALL THE TIME, and it's usually a case of mounting error on the part of the purchaser, as far as we can determine. the shop still exchanges them for customer goodwill, but ripping the rubber out under the bead and exposing the bead so the tire subsequently fails seems to be a common 'defect' customers come in with.

in the summer its like there's an epidemic of 'defective' tires.

just like with tubless mtn tires, do not mount tires with tire irons unless you are absolutely unable to coax them on with your hands. preferably, a tire jack is friendlier on your tight fitting tires than levers.