Totally agree with Gary here. Very wise words.

In fact what you say applied to the Merc which is a high quality clone of the Brompton in both design and fold. An injunction was granted in the Netherlands but not in the UK. I believe this was down to the identical nature of the Merc and therefore the injunction was intendede to prevent distribution was based on copyright protection. The Merc is more unusual in that it is not inferior, no matter what Bromptonites say. It's simply a question of legal argument. Yes one can of course have views on the unashamed lack of originality in design but not in execution of quality and safety.

Interestingly the Brompton fold mechanism it out of patent and would seem difficult to defend on copyright look alone across various jurisdictions. In fact Grace Gallant Enterprises of Taiwan is applying the Brompton style folding mechanism across their range of new folders. Aside from the folding technique the new bikes from GG look different and have different components.

The Strida itself may also be out of patent but it is the intention of the Chinese manufacturers to confuse the brands, use Strida's very own photos and marketing material and finally to produce low quality copies which also intend to deceive authorities.

The Taiwanese have improved as a manufacturing hub in electromics and bikes which shows the Greater China region is well capable of introducing top-class products that work off the fusion with Western innovations and contribute to the final user market. No better example than Pacific Bikes of Taiwan and even Grace Gallant are challenging Brompton on new hub featured 16" folders. At the end of the day brand equity and good service can still protect a well established brands like Brompton or Strida from clones anyway. Competition is good as long as its fair. A lot of the low grade companies should be rendered unviable by both more exacting quality standards and the final market. However, intellectual property protection still plays an important role in preserving the income flow of a firm's R&D invstment. The question is how long and far protection goes. The music industry is an example of consumer exploitation using IP and DRM protection, E.g. Sony BMG. I do not think Brompton are like this at all, although some question its legal pursuit of Mec in Europe. This is a very contentious issue. On the whole, Brompton feel this is room for competitors in the folding bike market and even provide a link to their rivals on their website, encouraging prospective customers to make an informed decision. I guess they just don't like identical clones regardles of quality.