It’s long
been said that ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.’ If that old
saying is true, then Neoteric should be flattered, since the Hovertrek™ is
becoming one of the most copied hovercraft in the world.
The
problem, however, is that knockoffs of Rolex watches are one thing; counterfeit
products that threaten consumer safety are an entirely different matter.
Particularly since hovercraft are increasingly used in rescue operations,
counterfeit hovercraft pose a serious threat to the lives of first responders
and to the lives of those they are tasked to save.
In the
past we’ve reported the offenses of Hi Tech International S.r.l. of Gorgonzola, Italy. Now two Russian companies have
joined HTI’s dubious rank: Air Wing (aka Production Company MSK and 000
Aeroslava) and MosHovercraft Group (aka Globatek Group JSC). Counterfeiting is
becoming an increasing problem in Russia: a Russian Interior Ministry
investigation estimates that up to a third of everything sold to consumers in
Russia is counterfeit.
The
offenses committed by Air Wing and MosHovercraft include:
Industrial and economic espionage;
theft of technology and trade secrets:
Air Wing counterfeited the patented Neoteric Hovertrek™ and is using the model
name “Niaterek” to market their pirated hovercraft. MosHovercraft is selling
illegally “restyled” copies of the Hovertrek™.
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Illegal
copies of the Neoteric Hovertrek™ in production at Air Wing’s assembly facility
in Russia.
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Intellectual property infringement: The Air Wing and MosHovercraft websites
and promotional efforts contain material plagiarized from the copyrighted
Neoteric website.
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Screenshot
of a MosHovercraft website page, with numerous photos plagiarized from the
Neoteric website.
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Neoteric
and our licensed agent in Russia, Christy Hovercraft, are diligently working
with Russian governmental officials to curtail the illegal actions of these
companies. In the meantime, we advise all potential hovercraft buyers to
meticulously research companies to be certain you’re purchasing from the
original, reputable, experienced manufacturer and not a counterfeiter. Your
life could depend upon it.
For
complete information, read the World Hovercraft Organization’s Ripoff Reports:
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