Legal Definitions - knock off

The term "knock off" has several distinct meanings, particularly in legal and colloquial contexts:

• Unauthorized Copying of a Product

  In a legal sense, to "knock off" a product means to create an unauthorized replica or imitation of another's product, often with the intention of selling it at a substantially lower price than the original. This typically involves infringing upon intellectual property rights such as trademarks, copyrights, or design patents.

  • Example 1: A fashion company began selling handbags that were nearly identical in design, material, and branding to a popular luxury brand's latest collection, but at a fraction of the cost.

    Explanation: This illustrates "knocking off" because the company produced unauthorized copies of protected designs to capitalize on the original brand's popularity and sell them cheaper, potentially infringing on the luxury brand's intellectual property.

  • Example 2: An electronics manufacturer released a new line of smartwatches that bore a striking resemblance to a leading tech company's flagship model, including similar features and user interface, without obtaining any licensing agreements.

    Explanation: Here, the manufacturer is "knocking off" the original smartwatch by creating a close imitation to compete in the market, potentially violating design patents or trade dress protections.

• (Slang) To Murder

  Colloquially, to "knock off" someone means to kill them, often in a violent or premeditated manner.

  • Example 1: Police investigated a case where a rival gang was suspected of attempting to "knock off" a key witness before they could testify in a high-profile trial.

    Explanation: This example uses "knock off" in its slang sense to describe the deliberate act of murdering an individual to prevent them from providing testimony.

  • Example 2: In a crime novel, the protagonist discovers a plot to "knock off" a wealthy industrialist to gain control of his vast business empire.

    Explanation: This demonstrates the slang usage of "knock off" as a planned act of murder for personal gain.

• (Slang) To Rob or Burglarize

  In another colloquial usage, to "knock off" a place means to commit a robbery or burglary, typically involving the theft of property from a business or residence.

  • Example 1: News reports detailed how a group of masked individuals successfully "knocked off" a high-end jewelry store during closing hours, making off with several display cases of valuables.

    Explanation: This illustrates "knocking off" as the act of robbing a commercial establishment, involving the forceful taking of property.

  • Example 2: Detectives were investigating a series of incidents where valuable antique furniture and artwork were "knocked off" from several affluent homes in the area.

    Explanation: Here, "knocked off" refers to the burglary and theft of items from private residences.