A Note from Spyderco's Legal Dept.

[TazKristi]

Friends,

Thank you for your continuing concerns regarding our infringement aggravations. Breaking my usual silence regarding our efforts, I felt it would be helpful to share an overview of what is happening in this corner of Spyderco’s world.

We recently completed a raid in China (w/ the requisite preparation, undercover visits, and involvement of local and “federal” Chinese authorities) netting computers, sales materials, distribution information and over 650 infringing units from one manufacturer alone. It seems to have done some good as we’ve subsequently begun to see a definable stream of k.o.’s with our logo’s having been photo-shopped to “appease” our complaints. This photo-shopped “stream” has defined the distributor/seller network which has been affected by our effort. We’ve initiated the planning and laying of the groundwork for subsequent raids, which will be combined with our third request to suspend hosting by an ISP. Two previous (US) ISP’s which we worked with were very cooperative, helpful and responsive. We hope to close a major import source as well as effect more damage to the manufacturing center of the infringing products with our next effort. We are not pie-eyed about our attempts. As we continue to devote increasing resources, we anticipate mixed results. Although we seriously doubt we can stop infringements from entering our little market, we believe we can inflict enough damage to get the participants in the manufacturing/distribution chain to cause a shift other products and industries. Enough complaints to E-bay, Alibaba, Deal Extreme, etc. and notices sent to Spyderco (so we can forward them as part of our complaints to international authorities as well as our own customs and import officials) will help turn the tide. Like the rest of our American system, the consumer/citizen will eventually determine the outcome of this nations’ challenges. Although we are significantly reserved about communicating our progress, the tide is incrementally swinging in our favor. Thank you again for your continued concern.

Best

Peter
Spyderco Legal

[Donut]

Thanks Peter/Kristi, good luck with your efforts. Consequence is a good thing to have to keep others from attempting the same thing.

I hope you get a lot of cooperation and that things go your way.

[ChrisR]

Excellent news - particularly that you have had the cooperation of the Chinese authorities and have actually inflicted some set-backs on the ground, where these fakes are being made - well done to all concerned! :)

[chuck_roxas45]

Thanks for your efforts Spydercrew. Prosecuting wrongdoers is always a plus in my book.

[Pinetreebbs]

Way to Go! Thanks for the update.

[The Deacon]

Excellent news. Thanks for sharing it with us Kristi. :)

[DCDesigns]

Go GET EM!!!!!

[NYRich]

Great news, but I'd like to hear some growling from our own government which has allowed this kind of counterfeiting to flourish with impunity.

[Cheddarnut]

Exclusivity!!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
P.S. Their counterfit & finish was never a threat.

[Allen R.]

Good job Spyderco!! Now to just get the people behind the white box scandal at amazon.com and we'd be perfect

[OldSarSwmr]

This is just one more reason why I am and will continue to be a committed customer of Spyderco. I understand the reasons why we the customer are not privy to "full disclosure" concerning active investigations, enforcement and litigations but truly appreciate the fact that you shared what you did. There a lot of companies that don't respect their customers enough to involve them to the extent that Spyderco does. Some companies use the "Mushroom theory" when considering the consumer. For me, I have always felt that Spyderco looks at their customers as part of their company.

Thank you,
Dan

[Qcrazy]

well stated OldSar! +1 here.

[DrChimRichalds]

Keep it up, guys! Well done!

[D1omedes]

Good news, indeed. Good luck with future efforts.

[224477]

gives me a warm feeling that this subforum has sense. thanks for sharing.

[Bluntrauma]

This is great news. Everytime I see a fake up on Ebay it burns me up and I report it.

[dsmegst]

Way to go, Spyderco!

[tonydahose]

that's good to hear..or read i should say. :)

[sbwings]

Great job. Too bad you have to use so many of your precious resources to fight this. One reason why I only use reputable dealers. Thanks to those who keep their eyes open for counterfeits. Also, shows how popular Spydercos are.

[ICSK]

Just a suggestion: Educate the end line users as well. Include a section on commonly found counterfeits (perhaps under Edge-U-Cation?). Ideally, it'd be a wiki-style user maintained collection of knowledge (regarding counterfeits). I think the forum users here have more than demonstrated that they're capable and willing to help Spyderco in their efforts. Alternatively, it could just be a link to a thread detailing common fakes and a short description of why it's fake, what model it copies, etc. The only downsides are that it'd have to be constantly maintained by a moderator and would grow increasingly inconvenient as the forum format doesn't lend itself to quick-glance-reading (especially once the thread is very long)