Are Brompton 'limiting' the Brompton name on Temu?

[Fastpedaller]

Just something I've noticed recently...... I bought one of the 3D printed tooltrays complete with tools from Temu a few months ago (and it's very good IMHO)
I wonder if Brompton have taken action leading to Brompton items being advertised on Temu? I cannot find the tooltray any more, but a 'Brompton' search only results in books. More puzzling though is a general 'bike parts' search results in, as expected hundreds of parts but included amonst them are a hat and a handbag, both with the Brompton name clearly shown - whether the sellers are trying to 'pass them of' as genuine or not (I haven't looked in detail), but I'd have expected B to object (understandably). BTW the tooltray had no Brompton name on it, and is clearly not a replica (or pretending to be) - more an alternative. To be clear I don't support sales of counterfeit products.

 

[Gunk]

Personally I think the genuine Brompton toolkit is worth the money, it’s a work of art.

 

[si_c]

I doubt they are limiting anything but rather enforcing their trademarks.

 

[Fastpedaller]

I doubt they are limiting anything but rather enforcing their trademarks.

But it seems some 'slip through'?

 

[Alex321]

But it seems some 'slip through'?

Not surprising, particularly when they are outside their core business.

 

[brommieinkorea]

If you build something that others want to copy for profit, you have to protect your copyright and trademarks ot you'll go out of business because all the thieves have so little invested.
AMF run Harley Davidson didn't protect trademark and licensing agreements and went belly up. The new HD is absolutely rabid about going after trademark/copyright infringers and has been able to turn a profit consistently.
Brompton thus far hasn't been able to build such a dedicated fanbase as Harley Davidson, but they have really tried. If they do manage to sell all of the hideous 50th editions it will be a start, or it'll be people buying them because they believe Brompton is going out of business and that would double the value (much like the run on AMF HDs when Harley retooled and reorganized).
As much joy as having a super portable bike that has gone all manner of places where a lesser fold would have made it difficult, that my Bromptons have provided, I still don't think I'm ready to shell out £20 for a t-shirt.

 

[Fastpedaller]

I fully understand protecting the trademark if it's possible - the alternative is to offer a licensing deal providing a return (hopefully) without litigation issues. It's a balancing act, I'm sure, but 5% or whatever on products which folk buy at a cheap price (knowing they aren't 'original') still gives some income compared to none if those people don't want to buy the 'manufacturer's original' at the price it's offerred. The people who wish to buy the genuine article at the higher price may still buy it - because they want 'the real deal' and nothing less.

 

[Alex321]

I fully understand protecting the trademark if it's possible - the alternative is to offer a licensing deal providing a return (hopefully) without litigation issues. It's a balancing act, I'm sure, but 5% or whatever on products which folk buy at a cheap price (knowing they aren't 'original') still gives some income compared to none if those people don't want to buy the 'manufacturer's original' at the price it's offerred. The people who wish to buy the genuine article at the higher price may still buy it - because they want 'the real deal' and nothing less.

No high end manufacturer is going to countenance such a deal, because it erodes their reputation for quality.

 

[brommieinkorea]

Problem with people buying an unlicensed copy is that the original company who owns the trademark/copyright gets nothing out of the deal.
Brompton hasn't quite built the rabid fanbase that Harley Davidson has , but the design and quality are pretty good, and they should at least be able to get something out of someone using their name.
Brompton should create a factory backed Brompton Owners Group to solidify loyalty to the brand, maybe their marketing division will catch up with HD's in another 50 years ?

 

[TC99]

Harley's are shite quality. Total rubbish.

 

[TC99]

Just saying.

 

[Fastpedaller]

Problem with people buying an unlicensed copy is that the original company who owns the trademark/copyright gets nothing out of the deal.
Brompton hasn't quite built the rabid fanbase that Harley Davidson has , but the design and quality are pretty good, and they should at least be able to get something out of someone using their name.
Brompton should create a factory backed Brompton Owners Group to solidify loyalty to the brand, maybe their marketing division will catch up with HD's in another 50 years ?

They have the race each year - that is good PR I'm sure, but maybe not for the non-competitive customers.
I understand many 'enthusiasts' bemoan the lack of 'progress' with innovations; however, having read WB-A's book I can understand their stance. Above everything, the manufacturer has to have an easy-to-use, consistent product. Adding more complexity could result in returns and dissatisfaction.

 

[fritz katzenjammer]

Harley's are shite quality. Total rubbish.

Be nice now, they aren’t total rubbish.

I saw a very nice one out on the highway today.

the pick up it was riding in was nice too.


Hey! Do you know what Harley Davidsons and German shepherds have in common?

they both love to ride in pick ups.

seriously, I had a friend buy a beautiful red tourer a few years back, a lovely thing to behold. He spent most of his spare time on that thing and racked up 100,000 miles in his first year with it.

it took 3 engines to do that.

luckily he was a mechanic at the dealership so at least he knew they were assembled properly.

 

[simongt]

The principle advantages of the Brompton toolkit is that it is excellent quality and being hidden in the frame, you always have it available for minor issues with the satisfaction of knowing that it's highly unlikely to have been nicked by some thieving wee towrag - !

 

[brommieinkorea]

Harley's are shite quality. Total rubbish.

Never said Harley Davidson was great. I said their marketing department is phenomenal.