What would you do?

[seanachie]

I have answered the questions below, I will mention one merchant here where these issues hit home for me. I use many merchants who advertise here, but because he operates in sort of a niche area I will specifically mention him: Robert Pel of RKilts. Though I have never met face to face, Robert has been a great gentleman, always engaging, a great conversationalist and a genuinely good person. He also makes an outstanding product, which is extremely well crafted and he takes a great deal of pride in and customer service is top drawer. While his product is outstanding, his design is pretty unique. At the same time I know people have made knockoffs of ill repute and used his pics elsewhere. I detest that, as this is a man's living. To deny him fair gain from his labors is unjust. I had to save a long time for my purchases from Robert but I am glad for doing so and would never consider an imitator.


If an advertiser here were using photos from someone else, and it could be proven that no permission was granted, would you feel confidant dealing with that company? NO
Would you want a company who uses photos without permission to be able to advertise here? No

How about copyrights and patents? As you may or may not know copyrights and patents are effective only in the countries where they are filed. It may not be against the law to copy a design of another company, with a UK copyright, if you are not operating in the UK.
We have all seen the Utilikilt knock-offs that are sold all over the world. The Utilikilt Company holds a US Patent on their design. Would you feel confidant buying a Utilikilt knock-off from a company operating in a country not covered by that patent?
Would you buy products from such a company and would you want such companies to be able to advertise here? This question is a bit dicier as US patent laws are antiquated and out of step. Witness the examples we see litigated every day, with Internet trolls, "click and buy" Samsung vs Apple, etc etc. I think if a substantive argument could be made in the copyright holders position I could accept that. Can anyone honestly tell me, why UK has a patent and if they accept it what the rationale is? I am open minded, but being in the technology industry where so many crazy patents are filed I would like to understand this better.


So, my final questions are to you, the members of X Marks.
Would the membership here hold those who advertise here to a higher ethical standard? Absolutely

Would you want a company who makes or resells in one country, products that are under copyright or patent in another country, to be able to advertise on X Marks? No blanket rule, case by case basis see my rationale above.

Would you buy those products if the price were lower than from the copyright holder? Not on the basis of price, but the merits

To you, the members of X Marks, is price the overriding factor or do you hold yourselves, and by default this forum No, there are really great merchants on here who make great products and are also wonderful people so no to price as overriding factor.

[GMan]

Although I have not used the services of all the ones who advertise here, I would only buy from those here because of what they stand for and for the reputation that has developed here.

This from an old time sporadic posting Kilt loving guy.