In the integrated ceiling industry, the issue of plagiarism continues to be a persistent problem. For a market still in its early development stage, this phenomenon is often seen as an unavoidable part of growth. However, with frequent legal disputes over intellectual property violations, public concern has once again reached a peak. Why does the problem of imitation persist so strongly in this sector? Industry experts have identified four main reasons.
First, the protection provided by China's Patent Law is limited to product appearance. This means that only when the similarity rate between two products exceeds 80% can it be considered as copying or counterfeiting. As a result, counterfeiters can easily avoid legal consequences by making minor changes to the design or production process. Additionally, for a company to protect its own designs, it must first apply for an appearance patent, which adds another layer of complexity.
Second, the compensation amounts in patent lawsuits are relatively low and the process is time-consuming. Many companies in the building materials industry, including integrated ceiling manufacturers, prefer to settle privately rather than go through lengthy legal battles. The high cost of protecting intellectual property makes it unattractive for many businesses. There's a common saying in the industry: “Starve to death, not go bankrupt.†If a company fights for a product, it could take at least a year, while the product’s lifecycle is only about six months. By the time the case is resolved, the product may already be outdated.
Third, the cost of research and development is very high. Despite China being a major player in household manufacturing and exports, there is still a shortage of skilled technical professionals. Industry insiders believe that many integrated ceiling companies opt for imitation due to cost-cutting strategies. Instead of hiring expensive designers and taking on high risks, they choose to copy existing designs from local stores, which is more economical and efficient.
Developing a new product line requires significant investment and a long period from R&D to market launch. Moreover, even after launching, the product might not succeed. This uncertainty deters small and medium-sized enterprises from taking the risk. As a result, they prefer to follow the trends set by larger companies, leading to a serious homogenization of products. According to an anonymous insider, this kind of imitation is unlikely to change in the short term.
Fourth, the patent application process is both time-consuming and complex. A well-known designer who has always focused on originality explained that many companies avoid applying for patents due to the hassle involved. “It can take months just to fill out a form,†she said. “The forms don’t match what the company actually produces, and there are a lot of things that need to be compiled. It takes a lot of energy and time.â€
What makes the situation even worse is the limited duration of design patents. She noted that her team usually takes one or two years to develop a product. If they go through the lengthy patent application process, the patent would expire just as the product hits the market.
In addition to these factors, consumer behavior also plays a role. Many buyers are willing to spend a small amount to get the look of a big brand, which creates a market for counterfeit products. When infringement is discovered, the cost of legal action often outweighs the potential benefits, discouraging companies from pursuing their rights.
Steel Structure,Structural Steel,I Beam Fabrication,Mild Steel Box Section
Guangdong Tianchen Steel Structure Engineering Co. Ltd. , https://www.tcsteeltech.com