Legal Definitions - knockoff

A knockoff refers to an unauthorized copy of a product that closely imitates the distinctive appearance, design, or features of an original item. These copies are typically of inferior quality compared to the genuine product and are sold at a substantially lower price. Knockoffs often infringe upon the intellectual property rights of the original creator, such as their trademarks, copyrights, or design patents, by attempting to capitalize on the original's established reputation and unique aesthetic without permission.

• Imagine a clothing manufacturer producing a line of winter coats that feature a very specific quilting pattern, a unique collar design, and a distinctive logo placement that are nearly identical to those of a renowned luxury outdoor apparel brand. However, these coats are made with cheaper, less durable materials, offer inferior insulation, and are sold through discount retailers for a fraction of the price of the authentic brand's jackets. This would be a knockoff because it mimics the protected design and branding of the original without authorization, offering a lower-quality alternative at a reduced cost.

• Consider a situation where a company begins selling wireless earbuds that look almost exactly like a popular, high-end audio brand's product. The charging case has the same shape and indicator lights, the earbuds themselves have the same ergonomic design, and even the packaging closely resembles the original. However, these earbuds deliver poor sound quality, have a significantly shorter battery life, and are available for purchase online at a much lower price point. This is a clear example of a knockoff, as it attempts to deceive consumers into believing they are buying a premium product by copying its appearance, despite offering a substandard experience.

• Picture a furniture store offering a dining chair that features the precise curved backrest, unique splayed leg structure, and specific upholstery texture of a famous mid-century modern designer chair. While the original is crafted from solid, high-quality wood and premium fabrics, the store's version uses particle board and synthetic materials, resulting in a less durable and aesthetically inferior product. The store sells this chair at a significantly lower price than the authentic designer piece. This chair is a knockoff because it directly copies the distinctive "trade dress" (the overall visual appearance and packaging) of the original designer item, aiming to profit from its iconic design without permission or adherence to its quality standards.